xerophthalmus

Thân thiện

A doctor examines a patient for signs of xerophthalmus.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical condition of the eye: "xerophthalmus" refers to abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, the transparent front layers of the eye. This condition is often a sign of a severe systemic deficiency of vitamin A.

Usage

• The term "xerophthalmus" is a specialized medical term used primarily in clinical and healthcare contexts to diagnose and describe a specific ocular condition resulting from malnutrition or other underlying health issues.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor diagnosed the patient with xerophthalmus after noting the extreme dryness and damage to the cornea.
  • Xerophthalmus is a serious condition that can lead to blindness if the vitamin A deficiency is not corrected.

Advanced Usage

• Pathological context: The term is used to describe the ocular manifestation of hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency).
  • In regions with widespread malnutrition, xerophthalmus is a major public health concern.

Variants and Related Words

• Xerophthalmia (n): This is the more commonly used variant form of the word with the same meaning.
  • Xerophthalmia is a preventable cause of childhood blindness.

Synonyms

• Conjunctival xerosis: A more technical term specifying dryness of the conjunctiva.
• Keratomalacia: Refers to the ulceration and softening of the cornea that can result from advanced xerophthalmus.

Related Medical Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Vitamin A deficiency: The primary systemic cause of xerophthalmus.
• Bitot's spots: Foamy, white patches on the conjunctiva that are a clinical sign often associated with xerophthalmus.

Học thuật

Noun

1. abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eyes; may be due to a systemic deficiency of vitamin A

Từ đồng nghĩa

• xerophthalmia
• xeroma
• conjunctivitis arida