Glaucoma Meaning and Definition
Glaucoma
Pronunciation
/ˈɡlɔːkəmə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A common eye condition in which the pressure in the eye increases, potentially causing damage to the optic nerve and vision loss if left untreated.
Etymology
The word “Glaucoma” comes from the Greek(word) meaning “hazelnut” or “gazelle”, and was likely named due to the shape of the optic disc.
Usage Notes
Glaucoma is typically diagnosed through a series of eye exams, including vision tests, tonometry to measure eye pressure, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans.
Cultural References
Glaucoma has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the film “The Shawshank Redemption” where the main character, Andy Dufresne, is diagnosed with glaucoma.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Glaucoma is not typically used in idiomatic expressions or phrases, but it may be used in medical or health-related contexts.
Related Words or Phrases
- Eye disease
- Vision loss
- Eye exam
Collocations
- Glaucoma treatment
- Glaucoma surgery
- Glaucoma medication
Frequency of Use
Glaucoma is a relatively common term in medical contexts, but it is not typically used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Glucoma
- Glaucome
- Glaimo