GERONTOXON Meaning and
Definition
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Gerontoxon is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by the presence of a white or grayish ring around the periphery of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. This condition is commonly associated with aging and is also known as arcus senilis or arcus lipoides.
The term gerontoxon is derived from the Greek words "geron," meaning old, and "oxon," referring to the eye. It typically develops in older individuals, usually after the age of 40, and is considered a normal age-related change. However, it can also be observed in younger individuals with certain medical conditions.
The appearance of a gerontoxon is due to the accumulation of lipids, or fats, in the periphery of the cornea. Over time, these lipids deposit and form a ring-like opacity. The presence of gerontoxon in both eyes is common, and it usually does not cause any symptoms or vision impairment.
While gerontoxon is commonly associated with aging, it can also be seen in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood. In some cases, it may indicate an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Although gerontoxon itself is not a cause for concern, it is important for individuals with this condition to have regular eye examinations to monitor any changes in their eyes and to evaluate for underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to its development.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GERONTOXON
- ferontoxon
- verontoxon
- berontoxon
- herontoxon
- yerontoxon
- terontoxon
- gwrontoxon
- gsrontoxon
- gdrontoxon
- grrontoxon
- g4rontoxon
- g3rontoxon
- geeontoxon
- gedontoxon
- gefontoxon
- getontoxon
- ge5ontoxon
- ge4ontoxon
- gerintoxon
- gerkntoxon
Etymology of GERONTOXON
The word "gerontoxon" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "geron" and "oxys".
The Greek root "geron" (γέρων) means "old man" or "old age". It is often used to refer to elderly individuals or anything related to the aging process.
The second root, "oxys" (ὀξύς), means "acid" or "sharp". It can also carry the connotation of "keen" or "acute".
In the case of "gerontoxon", the "oxys" root is used metaphorically to describe a sharp or acute change in the appearance of the eye that is associated with aging. Specifically, a gerontoxon refers to a white or grayish arc or ring found at the periphery of the cornea, typically occurring in older individuals.
Similar spelling word for GERONTOXON
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