ENGLISH
REFERENCE

glaucoma

n. uncountable
C2 Proficiency US //ɡɫɔˈkoʊmə// UK //ɡlɔːkˈəʊmɐ// glau·co·ma

n. a medical condition where pressure builds up inside your eye. If it is not treated, it can damage your vision and even cause blindness.

n. a group of eye conditions characterised by damage to the optic nerve, typically caused by abnormally high intraocular pressure. Left untreated, it leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss.


SIMPLE

Regular eye exams can help detect glaucoma early.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor prescribed daily eye drops to manage the patient's glaucoma and prevent further nerve damage.

COMPLEX

Because glaucoma often presents without early symptoms, it is frequently referred to as the silent thief of sight, making routine screenings essential for those with a family history of the condition.

Origin

Borrowed from Ancient Greek γλαύκωμα (glaúkōma, “an opacity of the crystalline lens”), derived from γλαυκός (glaukós, “blue-green”).

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the disease; can be countable when referring to specific clinical types.

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