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keratoconus

keratoconus

1 9.9
A condition in which the front part of the eye becomes thin and cone-shaped, causing blurry vision
  • noun
  • /ˌkɛrətoʊˈkoʊnəs/
  • Specialized
: queratocono
  • Early symptoms of keratoconus include blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light, as the cornea progresses in its shape.

Examples

  • So in keratoconus patients have a cornea that has become weakened, it's become thinned and there's a weakness in the structure of that tissue.

  • The doctor explained that keratoconus occurs when the cornea becomes thinner and bulges outward, affecting vision.

  • Many people with keratoconus experience severe vision distortion that can make everyday tasks challenging.

Synonyms

keratectasia
vskeratoconus
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin clear front part of the eye that bulges outward and makes vision worse

is a progressive thinning leading to a cone-shaped bulge that distorts vision

Surface Forms

keratoconus singular
keratoconuses plural

Morphology

keratoconus = kerato + conus

The term 'keratoconus' is derived from Greek roots meaning 'horn' (kerato) and 'cone' (conus), but the medical condition's specific meaning is not transparent to learners without specialized knowledge.

Etymology

Keratoconus comes from Greek parts kerato- meaning 'horn', the same root as keratin, which is found in hair and nails, and -conus meaning 'cone', like the common word cone. So keratoconus describes a horn- or cone-shaped change in the cornea, the front of the eye, which is why it makes vision look distorted.