EGYPTIAN OPHTHALMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Egyptian ophthalmia, also known as acute purulent conjunctivitis or ophthalmia neonatorum, refers to a severe infection that affects the membrane lining the eyelids (conjunctiva) and the transparent front part of the eye (cornea) in newborn infants. It is characterized by marked inflammation, redness, swelling, and discharge of pus from the eyes.
This condition is caused by an infection typically transmitted to the infant during delivery, most commonly by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The infection occurs when the newborn comes into contact with the bacteria in the birth canal of an infected mother.
Egyptian ophthalmia can lead to serious complications if left untreated. If the infection spreads to the cornea, it may cause corneal scarring, which can impair vision or even lead to blindness. Therefore, prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent long-term damage to the eyes.
Treatment usually involves topical antibiotic eye drops or ointment to eradicate the bacteria and control the infection. In cases caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, intravenous antibiotics may be required due to the severity of the infection. Additionally, careful eye hygiene is necessary, including frequent cleansing of the eyes using sterile saline solution or warm water.
Prevention of Egyptian ophthalmia primarily involves early screening and treatment of pregnant women for bacterial infections, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Administering prophylactic eye drops or ointment to newborns at birth, known as eye prophylaxis, is also a common preventive measure to lower the risk of infection.
Common Misspellings for EGYPTIAN OPHTHALMIA
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Etymology of EGYPTIAN OPHTHALMIA
The word "Egyptian" in the phrase "Egyptian ophthalmia" refers to the country Egypt, which was historically associated with a severe eye disease known as "Egyptian ophthalmia" or "Egyptian ophthalmitis". The term "ophthalmia" is derived from the Greek word "ophthalmos", meaning "eye", and refers to inflammation or infection of the eye. The term "Egyptian ophthalmia" was coined because the disease was commonly observed among soldiers and travelers who visited Egypt, particularly during military campaigns in the 18th and 19th centuries. The specific etymology of the word itself relates to the historical association of this eye condition with Egypt.
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