See under .
[glaw-koh-muh, glou-] /glɔˈkoʊ mə, glaʊ-/
Ophthalmology. abnormally high fluid pressure in the eye, most commonly caused either by blockage of the channel through which aqueous humor drains (open-angle glaucoma or chronic glaucoma) or by pressure of the iris against the lens, which traps the aqueous humor (angle-closure glaucoma or acute glaucoma)
a disease of the eye in which pressure within the eyeball damages the optic disc, impairing vision, sometimes progressing to blindness
1640s, from Greek glaukoma “cataract, opacity of the lens” (cataracts and glaucoma not distinguished until c.1705), from -oma + glaukos, an adjective of uncertain origin (see glaucous).
glaucoma glau·co·ma (glou-kō’mə, glô-)
Any of a group of eye diseases characterized by abnormally high intraocular fluid pressure, damaged optic disk, hardening of the eyeball, and partial to complete loss of vision.
glau·co’ma·tous (-kō’mə-təs) adj.
A disease of the eye in which the pressure of fluid inside the eyeball is abnormally high, caused by obstructed outflow of the fluid. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to partial or complete loss of vision.
glaucoma [(glow-koh-muh, glaw-koh-muh)]
A disease of the eye marked by increased fluid pressure in the eyeball. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and may result in blindness if not treated. Surgery may be required for severe cases.
- Chronic granulomatous disease
chronic granulomatous disease n. A congenital defect in the ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to kill phagocytized bacteria, resulting in increased susceptibility to severe infections. Also called congenital dysphagocytosis.
- Chronic idiopathic jaundice
chronic idiopathic jaundice n. See Dubin Johnson syndrome.
- Chronic inflammation
chronic inflammation n. Inflammation that may have a rapid or slow onset but is characterized primarily by its persistence and lack of clear resolution; it occurs when the tissues are unable to overcome the effects of the injuring agent.
- Chronic interstitial salpingitis
chronic interstitial salpingitis n. Salpingitis in which fibrosis or mononuclear cell infiltration involves all layers of the fallopian tube or eustachian tube. Also called pachysalpingitis.