|
Amblyopia
is
poor vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early
childhood.
|
| Amsler
Grid The
Amsler Grid is a chart that can reveal signs of wet macular degeneration.
You can get one from your eye care professional and test your vision
at home. |
|
Anesthesia
for Cataract Surgery
The standard cataract surgery anesthetic is a local anesthetic that
blocks the optic nerve. The anesthesia is administered by injection
and is painless. The patient is awake during surgery but may be
sedated. The eye is immobilized. A new topical anesthetic is now
being used by a small number of ophthalmologists
|
|
Ablate
Ablate in surgery, is to remove.
|
Ablation
zone is
The area of tissue that is removed during laser surgery. |
Accommodation
The ability of the eye to change its focus from distant objects to
near objects. |
| Acuity
is clearness, or sharpness of vision. |
| Allergies
and Allergic Conjunctivitis Common
symptoms and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. |
Aphakia
The absence of the eye's natural crystalline lens, usually after cataract
removal. |
Aphakic
Spectacles
Thick, plus-powered eyeglasses that were once the standard correction
for optical power following extraction of cataract. The glasses were
cumbersome and greatly distorted peripheral vision. Today, an intraocular
lens (IOL) is implanted in the eye after the cataract is removed.
|
Astigmatic
Keratotomy (AK)
Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) is similar to Radial Keratotomy (RK) in
that it is incisional surgery, but the calculated surgical incisions
are made traverse to the cornea. AK may be performed in conjunction
to RK. |
Astigmatism
A distortion of the image on the retina usually caused by irregularities
in the cornea. Astigmatism is blurry vision produced by football-shaped
corneas which are too steep in one place and too flat in another.
Astigmatic corneas focus light in two different places in the eye,
making both near and distance vision a problem. |
Automated
Lamillar Keratoplasty (ALK)
ALK is a refractive surgery technique for low to moderate myopia.
In the procedure, the ophthalmologist places an instrument called
an automated microkeratome on the eye which removes, in a shaving
motion, a thin layer of cornea only microns thick. An even thinner
layer of cornea underneath this top cap is removed, and the top cap
is replaced. The procedure does not require sutures. |
| Axial
Map Your eyecare professional will conduct a thorough examination
to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for the procedure.
Then your eyes will be photographed and a computerized map (corneal
topography) will be created. This "map" will assess the
shape of your cornea and is one of the many diagnostic tests the doctor
uses to help plan your procedure. |
Cataracts
An opacity or clouding of the crystalline lens that may prevent a
clear image from forming on the retina. The cataractous lens may require
surgical removal if visual loss becomes significant, with lost optical
power replaced with an intraocular lens. |
| Children
and Eye glasses Selecting
the right glass for your child if they need them. |
| Children's
Eye Infections
Diagnosis and treatment. |
|
Cerebral
Palsy in Children
Children with cerebral palsy have problems with intellectual functioning
(thinking, problem solving).
|
| Children's
Vision ages 4 to 7 Months
Specific information for children ages 4-7 months. |
| Common
Vision and Eye Problems
General information regarding your children's vision. |
| Conjunctivitis
(Pinkeye) caused
by bacterial or viral infections, or by allergic reactions to dust,
pollen and other materials. Bacterial and viral infections usually
produce a white or yellowish pus that may cause the eyelids to stick
shut in the morning. |
| Consent
Form for Refractive Surgery
Refractive
surgery is an elective procedure performed on a healthy cornea.You
will be required to sign a consent form stating that you understand
all of the risks, complications and side effects involved.
|
Cornea
The clear front part of your eye. The cornea is the first part of
the eye that bends (or focuses) the light and provides most of the
focusing power. |
Crystalline
Lens
The natural lens of the eye, located behind the pupil, which helps
bring rays of light to focus on the retina. The original state of
the lens is transparent, but the lens becomes cloudy with age. |
| Detached
Retina: Floaters & Flashes
You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field
of vision. They are called floaters. |
| Diabetic
mellitus is a chronic, systemic, life-threatening disease
that can affect the eye and nervous system, as well as the heart,
kidneys, and other organs. People with diabetes are 25 times more
likely to develop blindness than are individuals without diabetes.
|
| Diabetic
Retinopathy
The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the likelihood they will
develop diabetic retinopathy. |
Diopter
(dy-ahp-tur)
A measurement of the degree to which light converges or diverges;
also of lens refractive power. Equal to the reciprocal of the focal
length of a lens (in meters), e.g., a 2-diopter lens brings parallel
rays of light to a focus at half a meter. |
Dry
Eye
A common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough
tears to keep the eye wet and comfortable. Common symptoms of dry
eye include feelings of stinging, burning, or scratchiness of the
eyes. |
Emmetropia
(em-uh-TROP-pee-uh)
Refractive condition in which no refractive error is present and distant
images are focused sharply on the retina with no need for corrective
lenses. |
| Endothelium
is the inner layer of cells on the inside surface of the cornea. |
Epithelium
The outermost layer of cells of the cornea and is the eye's first
defense against infection. |
Excimer
Laser
An ultraviolet laser used in refractive surgery to remove corneal
tissue. The excimer laser produces an ultraviolet beam of light which
is emitted in pulses. Each pulse removes 1/4000 millimeter of tissue
from the surface of the cornea. It would take about 200 pulses from
an excimer laser just to cut a human hair in half. The excimer laser
has been used in industry since 1971 and has been used in ophthalmic
surgery since 1983. |
Extended
Wear of Contact Lenses
Newer
contact lens materials, both rigid and soft, allow the passage of
oxygen through lens to the cornea and enable extended wear of the
lenses. Extended wear (EW) lenses have proven popular because of their
convenience. However, concerns regarding the relative safety of these
lenses prompted several studies to examine the rate of adverse reactions
among contact lens users.
|
Extracapsular
Cataract Extraction
A cataract surgical procedure which removes the cataractous lens but
leaves the rear lens capsule intact. |
| Eye
Donation
–
You
could help give someone else the gift of sight through the generous
gift of eye donation. |
| Eye
Exam - What to expect. |
| Farsightedness
is the common term for hyperopia. |
FDA
FDA is the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. The
FDA is the United States government agency responsible for the evaluation
and approval of medical devices. |
| Flap
& Zap is a slang term for LASIK. |
Functional
Visual Disability
The degree to which a visual error interferes with a person's ability
to perform normal daily activities, such as reading, driving at night,
or performing hobbies. |
Ghost
Image
A fainter second image of the object you are viewing. |
| Glaucoma
because vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented if it
is caught and treated in time. Many others are not so lucky. Almost
80,000 Americans are blind from glaucoma, and another million are
at risk for vision loss because they don't know they have it. |
Glaucoma
Types include open-angle glaucoma
Angle-Closure Glaucoma,Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma,Chronic
angle-closure glaucoma, "Normal
(or low) tension" glaucoma, Congenital
glaucoma. |
| Glare
is scatter from bright light that decreases vision. |
| Halos
are rings around lights. |
Hyperopia
Also known as farsightedness, hyperopia is a refractive error caused
by an eyeball that is too short to focus light on the retina. Light
strikes the retina before it can come to a sharp focus. |
| In
Situ means "in place" or not removed. |
Inflammation
Inflammation is a tissue's reaction to trauma often associated with
pain, heat, redness, swelling, and/or loss of function. Inflammation
may be caused by mechanical trauma, infections, bacteria, viruses,
immune reactions or other causes. |
Intraocular
Lens (IOL)
A plastic lens that may be surgically implanted to replace the natural
lens of the eye. There are numerous styles of IOLs, including foldable
IOLs and multifocal IOLs. |
Iris
The colored ring of tissue suspended behind the cornea and immediately
in front of the lens. |
| Keratectomy
is the surgical removal of corneal tissue. |
| Keratitis
is the inflammation of the cornea. |
Keratomileusis
The carving of the cornea formerly done with a lathe and blade and
now done with an excimer laser. |
| Keratotomy
is a surgical incision (cut) of the cornea. |
| Knights
Templar Eye Foundation, Inc -
A financial help organization for seniors. |
Laser
Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
The acronym for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis which refers
to creating a flap in the cornea with a microkeratome and using a
laser to reshape the underlying cornea. Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,
or LASIK, combines PRK with elements of ALK. LASIK is considered effective
for all levels of myopia, including high myopia up to -20 diopters.
The ophthalmologist uses the automated microkeratome to shave off
a thin, hinged layer of the cornea. The surgeon then uses the excimer
laser to vaporize a thin layer of the underlying cornea, and the top
flap is restored to its place. LASIK is the newest refractive procedure
and therefore there is little hard data on its outcomes. However,
many refractive surgeons believe LASIK holds the most promise for
patients with moderate to high myopia.
|
Laser
An acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.
A laser is an instrument that produces a powerful beam of light and
can vaporize tissue. |
| Laser
photocoagulation
Laser
photocoagulation is one of the most common treatments for diabetic
retinopathy. |
| Lazy
Eye also know as amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that does
not receive adequate use during early childhood. |
Lens
A part of the eye that provides some focusing power. The lens is able
to change shape allowing the eye to focus at different distances. |
Lens
Implants
Lens implants are necessary to replace the refracting ability
of the natural human lense. |
| Macular
Degeneration An
eye condition in which the macula is damaged, often causing loss of
central vision. |
| Macular
Edema When fluid collects in the macula (the part of the retina
that allows us to see fine details), reading and other close work
may become difficult. Also see Diabetic Retinopathy. |
Microkeratome
A surgical device that is affixed to the eye by use of a vacuum ring.
When secured, a very sharp blade shaves a small amount of the cornea
at a predetermined depth. |
Micron
(MY-kron)
A unit of length equal to one-millionth of a meter.
|
Monovision
The purposeful adjustment of one eye for near vision and the other
eye for distance vision. |
Myopia
Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is a refractive error caused
by an eyeball that is too long to focus light on the retina or a cornea
which is too steeply curved. In these cases light focuses instead
in front of the retina. |
| Nearsightedness
is the common term for myopia. |
Ophthalmologist
A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and medical or surgical
treatment of visual disorders and eye disease. |
| Optical
Coherence Tomography (OCT) - This is a new diagnostic imaging
technology, which can perform resolution of Ocular tissues in microns.
|
Optician
An expert in the art and science of making and fitting glasses and
may also dispense contact lenses. |
Optometrist
A primary Health care provider who diagnoses and manages disorders
of the visual system and eye disease and is trained to prescribe eyeglasses
or contact lenses and examine eyes. |
Overcorrection
A complication of refractive surgery where the expected amount of
correction is more than desired and often occurs where healing regresses
less vigorously than predicted. |
| Pinkeye
(Conjunctivitis) caused
by bacterial or viral infections, or by allergic reactions to dust,
pollen and other materials. Bacterial and viral infections usually
produce a white or yellowish pus that may cause the eyelids to stick
shut in the morning. |
| Phacoemulsification
is a modification of the extracapsular cataract extraction. |
Peripheral
iridotomy
A small opening made in the iris (colored part of the eye). Generally,
this is performed with a laser. It can also be performed surgically
at which time it is called a peripheral iridectomy. |
Perk
Study
The Prospective Evaluation of Refractive Keratotomy Study, a multicenter
study of radial keratotomy outcomes funded by the National Eye Institute.
Ten-year results of radial keratotomy patients who had the surgery
in 1983 were published in Archives of Ophthalmology in October 1994.
The study found that seven out of ten patients who had the operation
on both eyes no longer wore or required corrective lenses ten years
after surgery, and 85% of patients saw 20/40 or better without glasses.
It concluded that RK is a "reasonably safe operation" that
can "effectively reduce but not eliminate myopia."
The study also found that 43% of patients experienced a hyperopic
shift following surgery over the ten-year period. These patients typically
experienced an improvement in their vision as their refractive error
moved closer to 20/20. It is for this reason that ophthalmic surgeons
will often intentionally undercorrect their patients, then monitor
the rate of healing before performing a follow-up enhancement procedure
if necessary. However, patients whose vision had achieved full correction
or near full correction through surgery and who experience a hyperopic
shift could become farsighted and need to wear glasses. |
Phacoemulsification
(fay-koh-ee-mul-sih-fih-KAY-shun)
A cataract surgical procedure which uses an ultrasonic vibration to
shatter and break up a cataract, making it easier to remove. The vibration
is delivered by an irrigation-aspiration instrument. In a survey of
ASCRS members in 1994, 86% preferred the phacoemulsification cataract
removal technique over the extracapsular cataract extraction technique.
The technique was invented by Charles D. Kelman, M.D., and was first
published in 1967. |
Photorefractive
Keratectomy (PRK)
A surgical technique employing an excimer laser to reshape the surface
of the cornea and thereby reducing nearsightedness. The laser is controlled
by a computer which determines for each patient treated the location,
number of pulses, and surface area to be impacted by the laser light
beam, based on that individual patient's vision and correction needs.
|
Posterior
Capsular Opacification (PCO)
Opacification of the posterior lens capsule, sometimes called "secondary
cataract," is often a consequence of modern cataract surgery.
It occurs when a thin membrane of tissue grows over the remaining
capsule following cataract surgery, and can develop in as many as
half of all cases between several months and several years after surgery.
PCO is treated using the YAG laser on an outpatient basis. |
Presbyopia
Part of the normal process of aging. As a person becomes older, one
begins to lose the flexibility of the lens of the eye which limits
the ability of the eye to change its point of focus from distance
to near. |
Pupil
The small variable-sized, black circular black dot in the center of
the iris that controls the amount of light that enters the eye in
response to ambient lighting. |
| Pterygium
– An abnormal, but usually noncancerous, growth on the corner
of the eye near the nose. A pterygium can grow over the cornea, partially
blocking vision, and sometimes requires surgery to be removed. |
Radial
Keratotomy (RK)
A surgical technique designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness)
that employs a radial incisions made in the periphery of the cornea
to allow the central cornea to flatten, reducing its optical power
and thereby nearsightedness. |
| Refraction
is a test to determine the best eye glasses or contact lenses to correct
a refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) OR the bending
of light by the use of a lens or other material. |
| Refractive
Errors
are hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. |
| Refractive
eye surgery is a general term for surgical procedures that
can improve or correct the eye's focus by permanently changing the
shape of the cornea. |
Retina
The thin lining at the back of the eye consisting of fine sensory
tissue that converts images from the eye's optical system into electronical
impulses sent along the optic nerve for transmission to the brain.
|
| Retinal
Detachment In proliferative retinopathy, the new blood vessels
can also cause scar tissue to develop, which can pull the retina away
from the back of the eye. Also see Diabetic
Retinopathy. |
| Sclera
is the tough, white, outer layer (coat) of the eyeball and, with the
cornea, protects the entire eyeball. |
Scleral
Incision
The external white of the eye through which an incision is made during
a cataract operation that uses a scleral incision. |
Secondary
Implants
If for
some reason and implant was not used in the original surgery, one
can be placed years later. |
| Snellen
Visual Acuity refers to one of many charts used to measure
vision (black and white with an "E" at the top). |
Strabismus
A
misalignment of the eye muscles causing a loss of coordination between
the eyes. The eye could turn in, out, up or down. |
| Sunglasses
Selecting the right sunglasses. |
| Undercorrection
is a complication of refractive surgery where the expected amount
of correction is less than desired and often occurs where healing
regresses more vigorously than predicted. |
| UV
Protection What you may not know is those same UV rays. |
|
UV Radiation Most
people are aware of the danger of sun exposure to the skin, but many
don't realize that exposure to the sun is also dangerous to our eyes. |
Uveitis
Swelling
or inflammation of the inside layers of the eye. The swelling could
be located virtually anywhere in the eye. Severity of symptoms depends
on what location is affected. |
|
Vision
Correction with Glasses and contacts lenses correct refractive
errors by adding or subtracting focusing power to your cornea and
lens. The power needed to focus images directly on your retina is
measured in diopters. This measurement is also known as your eyeglass
prescription.
|
| Visual
Acuity is simply the clearness of vision or the ability to
distinguish details and shapes or objects. |
| Vitrectomy
If you have very advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy
or retinal detachment, your eye care professional may recommend vitrectomy |
| Vitreous
Humor is the transparent, colorless mass of gel that lies
behind the lens and in front of the retina and fills the center of
the eyeball. |
| Watery
Eyes is when your eyes tear constantly, yet you have no known
allergies, no cold, and no overwhelming concerns. |
Yag
Laser
The YAG laser is a surgical instrument that emits a short pulsed,
high energy light beam that can be precisely focused by computer to
cut, vaporize, or fragment tissue.
|
