KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Keratoconjunctivitis is a medical term used to describe an inflammation that affects both the cornea and the conjunctiva, which are important structures of the eye. The cornea refers to the clear, dome-shaped tissue covering the front part of the eye, while the conjunctiva is the thin, transparent layer that lines the eyelids and covers the front surface of the eye.
This condition can be caused by various factors, including viral, bacterial, or allergic reactions. Viral keratoconjunctivitis is commonly associated with contagious infections, such as the adenovirus, which spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Bacterial keratoconjunctivitis typically occurs due to a bacterial infection, often caused by organisms like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Allergic keratoconjunctivitis may develop as a result of exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis may include redness, itching, burning sensation, excessive tearing, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may involve the use of antiviral or antibiotic medications, eye drops, or ointments to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. In cases of allergic keratoconjunctivitis, avoiding exposure to allergens and using antihistamines or eye drops may be recommended.
Early diagnosis and proper management of keratoconjunctivitis are crucial to prevent potential complications that can lead to corneal damage and vision impairment. Regular eye hygiene, including maintaining good hand hygiene, not sharing personal items, and avoiding rubbing the eyes, can also help reduce the risk of developing or spreading keratoconjunctivitis.
Common Misspellings for KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS
Etymology of KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS
The word "keratoconjunctivitis" can be broken down into its components to understand its etymology.
- "Kerato-" is derived from the Greek word "keras", meaning "horn" or "cornea".
- "Conjunctivitis" is derived from the Latin word "conjunctivus", which means "to join together or to connect", referring to the junction of the inner eyelid tissue and the outer surface of the eye.
Therefore, "keratoconjunctivitis" is a combination of "kerato" (cornea) and "conjunctivitis" (inflammation of the conjunctiva), referring to an inflammation affecting both the cornea and the conjunctiva of the eye.
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