How Do You Spell CERATOCENTESIS?

1. Ceratocentesis is a medical procedure that involves the removal of fluid from the cornea of the eye through a small puncture or incision. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped protective layer that covers the front portion of the eye. This procedure is primarily performed to diagnose and treat certain eye conditions or diseases.

   During ceratocentesis, a local anesthetic is usually applied to numb the eye and minimize discomfort. A small needle or specialized instrument is then carefully inserted into the cornea to extract a small amount of fluid. This collected fluid, also known as corneal aspirate, is subsequently sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the presence of any infections, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

   Ceratocentesis can help diagnose conditions such as corneal ulcers, keratitis, or certain types of glaucoma. Additionally, it can be utilized to relieve pressure in cases of high intraocular pressure, which can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated.

   While ceratocentesis is generally considered a safe procedure, it carries some potential risks including infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures. Therefore, it is typically performed by skilled ophthalmologists or eye specialists who have experience and expertise in such delicate eye surgeries.

   Overall, ceratocentesis plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of various eye conditions, helping to ensure proper treatment and improve patient outcomes.

2. Puncture of the cornea, keratonyxis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CERATOCENTESIS

The term "ceratocentesis" is composed of two root words: "cerato" and "centesis".

1. "Cerato" originated from the Greek word "keras" (κέρας), meaning "horn". It is commonly used as a prefix in medical terms to refer to a structure or condition related to a horn-like substance, such as the cornea in the eye (keratopathy) or the horn of certain animals (ceratopsian dinosaurs).

2. "Centesis" is derived from the Greek word "kentēsis" (κέντησις), which means "puncture" or "piercing". In medical terminology, "centesis" is a suffix used to indicate a medical procedure involving the puncturing or surgical tapping of a body cavity or organ, typically for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.