EXFOLIATION SYNDROME Meaning and
Definition
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Exfoliation syndrome is a progressive eye disorder characterized by the accumulation and shedding of abnormal protein fibers in various tissues of the eye, particularly in the anterior segment. This condition predominantly affects older individuals and is considered to be one of the leading causes of glaucoma worldwide.
The hallmark feature of exfoliation syndrome is the deposition of extracellular material, called pseudoexfoliative material, on the surface of the eye's anterior structures. This material can accumulate on the lens, iris, ciliary body, and trabecular meshwork - the drainage system responsible for regulating intraocular pressure. As a result, the pseudoexfoliative material can impair the normal flow of aqueous humor, leading to increased eye pressure, which is a major risk factor for glaucoma.
Some common signs and symptoms of exfoliation syndrome include the presence of white flaky deposits on the pupil edge (known as Sampaolesi line), weak zonules (ligaments that hold the lens in place), pigment dispersion syndrome, lens dislocation, and cataract formation. Additionally, individuals with exfoliation syndrome may have increased sensitivity to glaucoma and a higher risk of associated complications, such as optic nerve damage and visual field loss.
The exact cause of exfoliation syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. While there is currently no known cure for this condition, treatment primarily focuses on managing associated complications and reducing intraocular pressure through the use of medications, laser therapy, or surgery. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and intervention to preserve vision and slow the progression of exfoliation syndrome.
Common Misspellings for EXFOLIATION SYNDROME
- wxfoliation syndrome
- sxfoliation syndrome
- dxfoliation syndrome
- rxfoliation syndrome
- 4xfoliation syndrome
- 3xfoliation syndrome
- ezfoliation syndrome
- ecfoliation syndrome
- edfoliation syndrome
- esfoliation syndrome
- exdoliation syndrome
- excoliation syndrome
- exvoliation syndrome
- exgoliation syndrome
- extoliation syndrome
- exroliation syndrome
- exfiliation syndrome
- exfkliation syndrome
- exflliation syndrome
- exfpliation syndrome
Etymology of EXFOLIATION SYNDROME
The word "exfoliation syndrome" can be broken down into its two components: "exfoliation" and "syndrome".
The term "exfoliation" is derived from the Latin word "exfoliare", meaning "to strip off leaves". It is a combination of the prefix "ex-", meaning "out of" or "from", and "folium", which means "leaf". In a medical context, "exfoliation" refers to the process of shedding or removing layers of cells or tissue from a surface.
The word "syndrome" has Greek origins, derived from "syndromē", which means "concurrence of symptoms" or "running together". It denotes a group of symptoms or signs that collectively indicate a specific condition or disease.
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