Definition

Noun: - Adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea: A medical condition where the iris abnormally adheres to either the lens of the eye or the cornea. This adhesion typically results from trauma, eye surgery, or occurs as a complication of other eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataract. If untreated, it can lead to impaired vision or blindness.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ophthalmologist diagnosed the patient with synechia following the complicated cataract surgery.
  • Synechia is a serious complication that can develop from untreated uveitis.
  • The adhesion caused by the synechia was preventing the normal flow of aqueous humor in the eye.

Advanced Usage

• "Anterior synechia": Refers specifically to an adhesion between the iris and the cornea.
  • Anterior synechia can angle-closure glaucoma by blocking the drainage angle of the eye.
• "Posterior synechia": Refers specifically to an adhesion between the iris and the lens.
  • The inflammation led to the formation of a posterior synechia, which pinned the pupil in place.

Variants and Related Words

• Synechiae (n): The plural form of synechia.
  • The examination revealed multiple synechiae in the patient's left eye.
• Synechial (adj): Pertaining to or of the nature of a synechia.
  • The synechial band was carefully dissected during the procedure.

Synonyms

• Adhesion: The process or condition of sticking or growing together, often used in a broader medical context.
• Iris adhesion: A more descriptive term for the condition.

Notes on Meaning

This term is highly specific to the field of ophthalmology (eye medicine). It describes a pathological anatomical condition, not a symptom or a disease process itself. The primary concern with synechia is its potential to disrupt the eye's internal structures and fluid dynamics, leading to secondary issues like glaucoma and vision loss.

Noun

1. adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea resulting from trauma or eye surgery or as a complication of glaucoma or cataract; can lead to blindness