HYPOPYON KERATITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Hypopyon keratitis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of a localized collection of white blood cells or pus in the anterior chamber of the eye, specifically in the lower portion. It is a form of infectious keratitis, which refers to the inflammation of the cornea due to an infection. Hypopyon refers to the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber, while keratitis relates to the inflammation of the cornea.
In hypopyon keratitis, the inflammatory response can result from various causes, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that penetrate the cornea. Typically, it manifests as severe eye pain, redness, photophobia (sensitivity to light), excessive tearing, and blurred vision. Some individuals may also experience a decrease in visual acuity.
Diagnosis of hypopyon keratitis is usually based on the presence of a hypopyon, which can be seen as a visible layer of pus or inflammatory cells in the lower part of the anterior eye chamber upon examination using a slit lamp. Other diagnostic techniques, such as corneal cultures or corneal scrapings, may be performed to identify the specific infectious agent causing the condition.
Treatment of hypopyon keratitis typically involves the administration of antimicrobial agents, such as topical or systemic antibiotics or antifungal medications, based on the underlying cause. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain the accumulated pus or perform a corneal transplant to maintain visual function. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to prevent complications and preserve vision in individuals with hypopyon keratitis.
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• Suppurative inflammation of the cornea complicated with hypopyon.
• Purulent k. with perforating ulcer resulting in the presence of pus in the anterior chamber.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPYON KERATITIS
- hypopyon keratitms
- hypopyon keratiths
- hypopyon keratiti3
- hypopyon keratitic
- hypopyon keratitiq
- hypopyon keratitir
- h ypopyon keratitis
- hypopy on keratitis
- hypopyo n keratitis
- hypopyon k eratitis
- hypopyon ke ratitis
- hypopyon ker atitis
- hypopyon kera titis
- hypopyon kerat itis
- hypopyon kerati tis
- hypopyon keratit is
- hypopyon keratiti s
Etymology of HYPOPYON KERATITIS
The word "hypopyon keratitis" has its etymology rooted in Greek.
"Hypopyon" (ὑποπύον) comes from the Greek words "hypo" (ὑπο), meaning "under", and "pyon" (πύον), meaning "pus". It refers to the accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye.
"Keratitis" (κερατίτις) derives from the Greek word "keras" (κέρας), meaning "horn" or "cornea", and the suffix "-itis", which denotes inflammation. Therefore, "keratitis" represents the inflammation of the cornea.
When combined, "hypopyon keratitis" refers to a condition in which there is pus-filled inflammation in the cornea of the eye.
