Definition

Noun A paracentral scotoma is a blind spot or area of diminished vision (scotoma) located near, but not directly at, the central point of fixation (the point a person is directly looking at).

Usage

This is a specialized medical term used in ophthalmology and optometry to describe a specific type of visual field defect. * The patient's visual field test revealed a paracentral scotoma affecting their ability to read. * Paracentral scotomas can be an early sign of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often qualified by its position relative to the fixation point, e.g., a or an .
• It is distinct from a central scotoma, which directly involves the fixation point, and a peripheral scotoma, which is located in the outer edges of the visual field.

Variants and Related Words

• Scotoma (n.): The general term for a blind spot or area of partial vision loss.
• Central scotoma (n.): A scotoma involving the central fixation point.
• Arcuate scotoma (n.): A scotoma that curves around the fixation point, often associated with glaucoma.

Synonyms

• Parafoveal scotoma (when very close to the fovea)
• Juxtafoveal scotoma (when adjacent to the fovea)
• Near-central blind spot

Related Phrases

• Visual field defect: A broader term encompassing any area of lost or reduced vision.
• Fixation point: The central point of gaze that the eyes are focused on.

Noun

1. a scotoma that is adjacent to the fixation point