The word "Videokeratography" is used in ophthalmology to describe a diagnostic test that maps the surface of the cornea. It can be a tongue-twister for many with its long string of letters. To break it down, the IPA phonetic transcription shows that it is pronounced /vɪdɪə(ʊ)kɛrəˈtɒɡrəfi/. The stress falls on the second and fourth syllables. The word is made up of four roots: "video" (visual), "kerato" (cornea), "graphy" (recording), and the suffix "-ology" (study of).
Videokeratography is a diagnostic technique used in ophthalmology to assess the shape and curvature of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. It is a non-invasive imaging method that utilizes computerized technology to create a detailed map of the cornea's surface characteristics.
During videokeratography, a specialized camera, known as a videokeratoscope, captures multiple images of the cornea from different angles. The images are then processed by a computer software program that analyzes and calculates various corneal parameters, such as the radius of curvature, corneal power, astigmatism, and irregularities.
The generated map provides a visual representation of the corneal topography, displaying variations in shape, elevation, and curvature across different regions of the cornea. This information is valuable in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like astigmatism, keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, and corneal irregularities caused by surgery or trauma.
Videokeratography is particularly useful in planning and monitoring laser refractive surgeries, such as LASIK or PRK, as it provides detailed information on corneal shape and irregularities, allowing surgeons to achieve optimal visual outcomes and minimize potential complications.
In summary, videokeratography is a non-invasive imaging technique used to evaluate the cornea's shape and curvature. It provides valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring various corneal conditions, as well as assisting in the planning and monitoring of laser refractive surgeries.
The word "Videokeratography" can be broken down into three parts: "video", "kerato", and "graphy".
1. "Video" is derived from the Latin word "vidēre", meaning "to see" or "visual". It was first introduced as a term in the 1930s and became more widely used with the advent of video technology in the latter half of the 20th century.
2. "Kerato" refers to the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer of the eye. This term is derived from the Greek word "keras", meaning "horn" or "hard".
3. "Graphy" is derived from the Greek word "graphē", meaning "writing" or "description". It is commonly used as a suffix to indicate a process of recording or representing something graphically.