Dictionary

keratoconjunctivitis Inflammation of the eye that involves both the cornea and conjunctiva. Keratoconjunctivitis can occur due to abrasion trauma, infection, and underlying diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome and lupus.

kerato- 1 Prefix referring to the cornea, as in keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and keratoplasty (corneal transplant). 2 Prefix referring to the nails, hair, or skin tissue, as in keratin (a protein found in the upper layer of the skin, hair, and nails, and in animal horns) and keratosis (a localized horny overgrowth of…

keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome An inherited disorder that is characterized by keratitis (gradual destruction of the cornea of the eye, sometimes leading to blindness), ichthyosis (localized areas of disfiguring reddish thickened skin), and deafness from birth. Abbreviated KID syndrome. Another characteristic feature of KID syndrome is thin or absent scalp hair. Some patients develop cancer of the…

keratitis, rosacea Inflammation of the cornea of the eye that affects about half of all people with rosacea. Symptoms include burning and grittiness of the eyes (conjunctivitis). If rosacea keratitis is not treated with medication to stop the inflammation, the damage to the cornea may impair vision. See also rosacea.

keratitis Inflammation of the cornea. Keratitis can occur due to abrasion trauma, infection, or underlying diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome and lupus. Keratitis can lead to blindness.

keratin A protein found in the upper layer of the skin, hair, and nails, and in animal horns.

keratectomy, photorefractive Laser eye surgery designed to change the shape of the cornea, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses. The laser removes the outer layer of the cornea and then flattens it. This is intended to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and uneven curvature of the cornea that distorts vision (astigmatism). Photorefractive keratectomy…

keratectomy Removal of part of the cornea by surgical excision or by laser. See also keratectomy, photorefractive.

keloid A scar that rises quite abruptly above the rest of the skin. It is irregularly shaped, usually pink to red in color, tends to enlarge progressively, and may be harder than the surrounding skin. Keloids are a response to trauma, such as a cut to the skin. In creating a normal scar, connective tissue…

Kegel exercises Exercises designed to increase muscle strength and elasticity in the female pelvis. Kegel exercises may be recommended for treatment of incompetent cervix, vaginal looseness after pregnancy and delivery, or urinary incontinence.

KB 1 Keratodermia blennorrhagicum. 2 Ketone bodies.

Kawasaki disease A syndrome that mainly affects young children, causing fever; reddening of the eyes (conjunctivitis), lips, and mucous membranes of the mouth; ulcerative gum disease (gingivitis); swollen glands in the neck (cervical lymphadenopathy); and a rash that is raised and bright red (maculoerythematous). The rash appears in a “glove-and-sock” fashion over the skin of…