UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

John

I know that you are not exactly sitting about looking for something to do, but if you ever had a spare moment, would you consider launching an announcement string that would serve as a glossary of terms commponly used in connection with KC

the thought was provoked by your own posting about your consultant's letter and Knight's helpful addition of a short glossary of terms.

We could add to the glossary as situations arose.

Here is my fourpence worth:

endothelium |ˌendəˈθēlēəm| ( pl. -lia |-lēə|) noun the tissue that forms a single layer of cells lining various organs and cavities of the body, esp. the blood vessels, heart, and lymphatic vessels. In particular the single layer of cells that forms the posterior boundry of the stroma of the cornea. It is formed from the embryonic mesoderm. Compare with epithelium . DERIVATIVES endothelial |-lēəl| adjective ORIGIN late 19th cent.: modern Latin, from endo- [within] + Greek thēlē ‘nipple.’

Source: The American Oxford Dictionary and Andrew MacLean

I don't need too Andrew; you've just done it!

I'm always on the lookout for things to add to the glossary (look at the link at the top of every page!), and I'll add this one.

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

Just re-read Andrew's borrrowed definition.

Perhaps the definitions could be slanted a little more KC-like though

1. R.G.P. - "rigid gas permeable". A description of a range of special types of plastic from which corneal (q.v.) and scleral (q.v.) contacts lenses are now made. Also used for parts of hard/soft compound lenses.

2. corneal lenses - hard contact lenses that just cover the iris, or the iris and a tiny bit more. Now typically made of RGP material, formerly of PMMA.

3. scleral lenses - large contact lenses, ranging from 20 to 24 mm in diameter, which white parts of the eye 9the "sclerotic"). Sometimes also called "haptic" lenses. Typically made of an Rgp plastic, formerly made of PMMA. First in use c1880 and made of glass for many years.

4. PMMA - abbreviation for the chemical name of a type of plastic formerly used to make corneal and scleral lenses. Commonly known by the brand name "Perspex". Now mainly superceded by rigid gas permeable (RGP - q.v.) materials.

5. iris - the coloured ring part of the eye.

6. mini-scleral - contact lens similar to a scleral (q.v.) but a bit smaller.

7. "piggy-backing" - wearing two contacts lenses at once in the same eye, intentionally. Typicall, a soft lens for cushioning under either a corneal or scleral RGP hard lens.

rosemary

Changed my definition of the endothilium to make it more specifically relevant to KC

When I was first diagnosed I found the glossary on the homepage is fantastic - really usefull when your just starting out with learning about the condition. This debate on suggested additions is great.

I do however feel a little uneasy about it. From the presepective of an undereducated student of a medical subject I have found from book to book or dictionary to dictionary slight differences in the ideology of some of these words. Often brought about by the age and relevance of the material being used.

Its important that this website remains credible and only communicates in a manner that does not create a situation of disinformation which could cause unintentional harm. Can I suggest that any suggested glossary word is defined by a qualified person such as an Optom or Opthalmologist. That way it can be accurately described within a KC context.

Sorry I am not trying to spoil peoples fun I just know how let down we would feel if we took something as gospel from here to our detriment.

Drew

I agree totally..its one thing us "non qualified" people speaking from experience, but its another thing when the likes if Ali, Lynn et al spend the time to respond and are more knowledgeable on correct terminology and meaning.

J

Yes, that does sound a sensible idea Drew.

I entirely agree