Inflammation of the cornea is called?

AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Explanation

Keratitis is the correct medical term for inflammation of the cornea.
The term is derived from the Greek root 'kerato-', meaning cornea, and the suffix '-itis', meaning inflammation.
The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil, and its inflammation can significantly impair vision.
Keratitis is considered a serious condition as it can lead to corneal scarring and permanent vision loss if not treated effectively.

Option A: Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye (sclera).
Option B: Trachoma is a specific, chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It causes severe inflammation of both the conjunctiva and cornea (keratoconjunctivitis).
Option D: Scleritis is the inflammation of the sclera, which is the tough, white, fibrous outer layer of the eyeball.

Visual 1: Diagram - An anatomical cross-section of the human eye. This visual should clearly label the cornea, conjunctiva, and sclera to help learners differentiate the locations of keratitis, conjunctivitis, and scleritis.
Visual 2: Comparison Chart - An infographic comparing the key signs and symptoms of keratitis, conjunctivitis, and scleritis, highlighting differences in pain level, vision changes, and discharge.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Terminology for Eye Disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Keratitis is an ophthalmic emergency. A nurse must recognize the potential severity of symptoms like severe eye pain and vision changes and ensure the patient receives an urgent ophthalmology consultation to prevent permanent corneal damage and vision loss.
Patient education is a key nursing role in preventing infectious keratitis. This includes teaching proper hand hygiene and correct techniques for wearing, cleaning, and storing contact lenses.
What if? If a patient presented with a red eye, mild irritation, and watery discharge but NO pain or change in vision, the most likely diagnosis would shift from keratitis to viral conjunctivitis, which is typically self-limiting and requires supportive care rather than urgent intervention.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key anatomical structure and the process mentioned in the question stem: the structure is the 'cornea' and the process is 'inflammation'.
Recall the medical suffix for inflammation, which is '-itis'.
Recall the medical root word for the cornea, which is 'kerato-'.
Combine the root and the suffix: 'kerato-' + '-itis' = 'Keratitis'.
Review the other options to confirm they relate to different parts of the eye (Conjunctiva -> Conjunctivitis; Sclera -> Scleritis), reinforcing your choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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