IRIDODILATOR Meaning and
Definition
-
An iridodilator, also known as a miotic agent, is a substance or medication that causes the constriction or narrowing of the pupil of the eye. The word iridodilator is derived from the Latin word "iris," referring to the colored part of the eye, and "dilator," meaning to expand or widen. The primary function of an iridodilator is to reduce the size of the pupil, allowing less light to enter the eye.
Iridodilators work by stimulating the muscles in the iris, specifically the sphincter muscle, which is responsible for contracting and dilating the pupil. When these muscles contract, they cause the pupil to constrict. This action is achieved by increasing the production and release of a natural neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine binds to receptors in the iris muscles, triggering their contraction and the subsequent narrowing of the pupil.
Iridodilators are commonly used in ophthalmology to treat various eye conditions, such as glaucoma, where the aim is to reduce pressure inside the eye. By narrowing the pupil, iridodilators increase the drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye, lowering intraocular pressure. Additionally, they may be used to examine and diagnose certain eye diseases or during eye surgery to improve visualization and access to the structure inside the eye.
In summary, an iridodilator is a substance or medication that causes the pupil of the eye to constrict or narrow by stimulating the iris muscles and reducing the flow of light entering the eye.
-
Causing dilatation of the pupil, noting the radiating muscular fibers of the iris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IRIDODILATOR
- uridodilator
- jridodilator
- kridodilator
- oridodilator
- 9ridodilator
- 8ridodilator
- ieidodilator
- ididodilator
- ifidodilator
- itidodilator
- i5idodilator
- i4idodilator
- irudodilator
- irjdodilator
- irkdodilator
- irododilator
- ir9dodilator
- ir8dodilator
- irisodilator
- irixodilator
Etymology of IRIDODILATOR
The word "iridodilator" is formed by combining two root words, "irido-" and "-dilator".
The root word "irido-" comes from the Greek word "íris" (ἶρις) which means "iris" - referring to the colored part of the eye. It is derived from the Greek mythological character Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, due to the colorful appearance of the iris.
The suffix "-dilator" comes from the Latin word "dilatāre" which means "to widen" or "to enlarge". It is derived from the Latin word "dilatus", meaning "spread out".
Therefore, "iridodilator" is a medical term used to describe a substance or medication that widens or enlarges the iris of the eye.
