Medical dictionary

What is open-angle glaucoma? Open-angle glaucoma is one of the most common types of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerves of the eyes, and which becomes worse over time. If it continues to worsen, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma comes on slowly and painlessly, and patients can go for years without noticing that they have it. This i

What is orthopantomography?   Orthopantomography, also known as an OPG X-ray (or simply OPG), panoramic radiography, or a pantogram is a type of X-ray scan that gives a panoramic or wide view of the lower face. It can display all the teeth on both jaws on one film, including those that have not surfaced or erupted yet, such as wisdom teeth. It also offers a view of the jawbone and the t

What is ophthalmic brachytherapy? Ophthalmic brachytherapy is a technique used to treat eye tumours. This technique involves removing the tumour without affecting the eye or eyesight. Treatment aims to get rid of cancerous cells by irradiation. Why is ophthalmic brachytherapy required? Ophthalmic brachytherapy is used to remove an ocular tumour while preserving the eyeball. It can be

What’s being analysed? The test for opioids measures the presence and concentration of opioids, a class of drugs commonly used for pain management, in the bloodstream or urine. What does the result signify? The result of the test for opioids indicates whether opioids are present in the body and at what concentration. Positive results may suggest opioid use or exposure. Why co

What is optic neuritis? Optic neuritis (ON) is the swelling or inflammation of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting the image from the retina to the brain. It is one of the most common disorders of the optic nerve, others include glaucoma, eye atrophy, or drusen.   The specialist that diagnoses optic neuritis is an ophthalmologist.    

What is oral immunotherapy? Immunotherapy is treatment for an allergy based on the principle of getting the patient’s body accustomed to the presence of the substance that triggers the allergic reaction (allergen). In theory, this desensitises the body to the allergen, reducing the severity of future allergic reactions or eliminating them altogether. Oral immunotherapy administers

What exactly is meant by oral medicine? Oral medicine is a non-surgical treatment process and management of medical disorders of one's mouth. It is the part of dentistry that is responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases originating in the mouth (primary) and general diseases affecting this area (secondary), affecting structures of one's oral cavity.  What is the

What is oral surgery?Oral surgery is a surgical operation performed in the oral cavity (teeth, mucous membranes and accessory tissue) to resolve or remove pathological anatomical abnormalities. Operations are usually carried out at the dental clinic and normally involve minor surgery, so only a local anaesthetic is needed. Oral surgery is sometimes performed in the operating room under genera

What is orbital cellulitis? Orbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the tissues surrounding the eyes, specifically the eyelids and eyebrows that can spread to the cheeks.   What are the symptoms of orbital cellulitis? Symptoms can include: Painful inflammation of the upper and lower eyelid and possibly of the cheek and eyebrow Decreased vision Bulging eyes Feve