How Do You Spell SYMPATHETIC OPHTHALMIAS?

1. Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare, inflammatory condition that affects both eyes. It typically occurs following a penetrating injury or surgical procedure to one eye, which leads to an autoimmune response in the unaffected eye. This condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the uveal (middle) layer of the eye, including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.

   Sympathetic ophthalmia occurs when the immune system mistakenly recognizes the injured eye as foreign and launches an immune response to eliminate it. However, this immune response also damages the healthy eye due to the shared antigens between the two eyes. The exact mechanisms triggering this autoimmune response are not fully understood.

   Symptoms of sympathetic ophthalmia may include redness, pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), floaters, and changes in visual acuity. If left untreated, the condition can progress to affect the retina, resulting in irreversible visual loss or blindness.

   Diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmia involves a thorough examination of the eyes, including measurements of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and evaluation of the inflammation. Ocular imaging, such as fluorescein angiography or optical coherence tomography, can also be used to assess the extent of the inflammation.

   Treatment often involves the use of systemic corticosteroids to suppress the autoimmune response. Other immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed in severe cases. Regular follow-up and close monitoring are necessary to prevent complications and manage any visual or systemic side effects of the medications. In some cases, surgical interventions such as vitrectomy or retinal detachment repair may be warranted.

Common Misspellings for SYMPATHETIC OPHTHALMIAS

The term "Sympathetic Ophthalmia" comes from two separate words: "sympathetic" and "ophthalmia".

The word "sympathetic" is derived from the Greek word "sympatheia", which means "feeling with" or "shared feeling". In this context, it refers to the reaction of one eye in response to an injury or inflammation in the other eye.

The term "ophthalmia" comes from the Greek word "ophthalmos", which means "eye". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to inflammation or disorders of the eye.

Therefore, "Sympathetic Ophthalmia" describes a condition where one eye becomes inflamed in response to injury or inflammation in the other eye, indicating a shared reaction or sympathy between the two eyes.