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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Photocoagulation
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PhotocoagulationUsing a special strong beam of light (laser) to seal off bleeding blood vessels such as in the eye. The laser can also burn away blood vessels that should not have grown in the eye. This is the main treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Eye
The organ of sight. The eye has a number of components. These components include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic nerve, choroid and vitreous.
Laser
An acronym of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A surgical tool that creates intense heat and power when focused at close range, destroying cells by vaporizing them.
Burn
Damage to the skin or other body parts caused by extreme heat, flame, contact with heated objects, or chemicals. Burn depth is generally categorized as first, second, or third degree. The treatment of burns depends on the depth, area, and location of the burn, as well as additional factors, such as material that may be burned onto or into the skin. Treatment options range from simply applying a cold pack to emergency treatment to skin grafts.
Diabetic
Pertaining to Diabetes. Patient suffering from this condition.
Retinopathy
Degeneration of the retina.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Photodynamic radiation therapy
A light sensitive drug is given through a vein and concentrates in the tumor. Then, during a surgical procedure, a special light activates the drug. The activated drug kills tumor cells.
Photofrin
Photofrin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): porfimer sodium.
Photophobia
Severe discomfort to bright lights. Usually a symptom of eye disease, such as glaucoma, in an infant or retinal disease in a child or adult. Sometimes treated with dark sunglasses.
Photopic
Bright light conditions where only the cones are functional.
Photoreceptor
A light sensitive neuron. Photoreceptors interact with light which produces changes in their electrical properties which are communicated to other neurons. They constitute the first stage in the physiological process which underlies vision. The human retina, like the retina of most vertebrates, contains two broad classes of photo-receptors, rods and cones.
Photoreceptor mosaic
The spacial arrangement of photoreceptors in the retina.
Phototherapy
The use of ultraviolet light to treat newborns with jaundice.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Periodontal Disease
Damage to the gums. People who have diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people who do not have diabetes.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage, usually affecting the feet and legs; causing pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling. Also called "somatic neuropathy" or "distal sensory polyneuropathy." |See also: Neuropathy
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Disease in the large blood vessels of the arms, legs, and feet. People who have had diabetes for a long time may get this because major blood vessels in their arms, legs, and feet are blocked and these limbs do not receive enough blood. The signs of PVD are aching pains in the arms, legs, and feet (especially when walking) and foot sores that heal slowly. Although people with diabetes cannot always avoid PVD, doctors say they have a better chance of avoiding it if they take good care of their feet, do not smoke, and keep both their blood pressure and diabetes under good control.
Peritoneal Dialysis
A way to clean the blood of people who have kidney disease.
Persistent Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia of Infancy (PHHI)
An alternate term for Nesidioblastosis
Photocoagulation
Pioglitazone
A drug used as a treatment for Type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes; belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones.
Pituitary Gland
An endocrine gland in the small, bony cavity at the base of the brain. Often called "the master gland," the pituitary serves the body in many ways-in growth, in food use, and in reproduction.
Point System
A rarely-used system of meal planning for diabetes in which foods are rated based upon calorie content, regardless of blood glucose effect or nutritional content. One "calorie point" equals 75 calories. The system may have a role to help with weight loss, but is not typically presently recommended for type 1 diabetes. |Compare to carbohydrate counting and Exchange Lists.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A syndrome associated with bilateral polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance. Symptoms frequently include decreased menstrual flow, irregular menses, anovulation, and infertility.
Polyphagia
Excessive hunger; may be a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Eye
The organ of sight. The eye has a number of components. These components include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic nerve, choroid and vitreous.
Laser
An acronym of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A surgical tool that creates intense heat and power when focused at close range, destroying cells by vaporizing them.
Burn
Damage to the skin or other body parts caused by extreme heat, flame, contact with heated objects, or chemicals. Burn depth is generally categorized as first, second, or third degree. The treatment of burns depends on the depth, area, and location of the burn, as well as additional factors, such as material that may be burned onto or into the skin. Treatment options range from simply applying a cold pack to emergency treatment to skin grafts.
Diabetic
Pertaining to Diabetes. Patient suffering from this condition.
Retinopathy
Degeneration of the retina.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Photodynamic radiation therapy
A light sensitive drug is given through a vein and concentrates in the tumor. Then, during a surgical procedure, a special light activates the drug. The activated drug kills tumor cells.
Photofrin
Photofrin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): porfimer sodium.
Photophobia
Severe discomfort to bright lights. Usually a symptom of eye disease, such as glaucoma, in an infant or retinal disease in a child or adult. Sometimes treated with dark sunglasses.
Photopic
Bright light conditions where only the cones are functional.
Photoreceptor
A light sensitive neuron. Photoreceptors interact with light which produces changes in their electrical properties which are communicated to other neurons. They constitute the first stage in the physiological process which underlies vision. The human retina, like the retina of most vertebrates, contains two broad classes of photo-receptors, rods and cones.
Photoreceptor mosaic
The spacial arrangement of photoreceptors in the retina.
Phototherapy
The use of ultraviolet light to treat newborns with jaundice.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Periodontal Disease
Damage to the gums. People who have diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people who do not have diabetes.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage, usually affecting the feet and legs; causing pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling. Also called "somatic neuropathy" or "distal sensory polyneuropathy." |See also: Neuropathy
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Disease in the large blood vessels of the arms, legs, and feet. People who have had diabetes for a long time may get this because major blood vessels in their arms, legs, and feet are blocked and these limbs do not receive enough blood. The signs of PVD are aching pains in the arms, legs, and feet (especially when walking) and foot sores that heal slowly. Although people with diabetes cannot always avoid PVD, doctors say they have a better chance of avoiding it if they take good care of their feet, do not smoke, and keep both their blood pressure and diabetes under good control.
Peritoneal Dialysis
A way to clean the blood of people who have kidney disease.
Persistent Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia of Infancy (PHHI)
An alternate term for Nesidioblastosis
Photocoagulation
Pioglitazone
A drug used as a treatment for Type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes; belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones.
Pituitary Gland
An endocrine gland in the small, bony cavity at the base of the brain. Often called "the master gland," the pituitary serves the body in many ways-in growth, in food use, and in reproduction.
Point System
A rarely-used system of meal planning for diabetes in which foods are rated based upon calorie content, regardless of blood glucose effect or nutritional content. One "calorie point" equals 75 calories. The system may have a role to help with weight loss, but is not typically presently recommended for type 1 diabetes. |Compare to carbohydrate counting and Exchange Lists.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A syndrome associated with bilateral polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance. Symptoms frequently include decreased menstrual flow, irregular menses, anovulation, and infertility.
Polyphagia
Excessive hunger; may be a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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