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Glossary

Diseases/Conditions of the Eye

Equipment

Exam Tests

Eye Care Professionals

Lenses

Lens Material

Diseases/Conditions of the Eye

Amblyopia

Also known as "lazy eye." It is the loss or lack of central vision in one eye or the inability of the eye to focus.

Astigmatism

An additional curvature on the surface of the cornea, or lens of the eye, that makes it difficult to focus. Slight degrees can cause headaches, fatigue, and poor schoolwork. More serious degrees produce blurred vision at all distances.

(NEI)—A condition in which the surface of the cornea is not spherical; causes a blurred image to be received at the retina.

Cataracts

Usually develop gradually and without pain as the lens in the eye loses transparency and the lens material yellows. The result is gradual loss of brightness and a slight skewing of color perception that usually goes unnoticed. Cataracts are the leading cause of visual disability in people older than 65.

(JP)—Opacity or cloudiness of crystalline lens; can prevent clear image from forming on the retina.

Conjunctiva

(NEI)—The thin, moist tissue that lines the inner surfaces of the eyelids and the outer surface of the sclera.

Conjunctivitis

(AOA)—An inflammation of the conjuctiva, the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.

Diabetic Retinopathy

(AOA)—Can weaken and cause changes in the small blood vessels that nourish your eye's retina, the delicate, light-sensitive lining of the back of the eye. These blood vessels might begin to leak, swell, or develop brush-like branches. Early stages can cause blurred vision, or they might produce no visual symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, you might notice a cloudiness of vision, blind spots, or floaters.

Diplopia

(NERF)—Double vision.

Dry Eye

One of the most common problems reported to eye doctors. Occurs when tear glands produce too few tears and cause itching, burning, or even reduced vision. Your doctor might prescribe "artificial tears" to correct this problem.

(NERF)—An eye that lacks the proper mix and volume of tears.

Farsightedness

The inability to see things clearly that are up close. Many children will pass vision tests that measure distance but have difficulty with reading or close work.

(AOA)—A vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus. Occurs if your eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, so light entering your eye is not focused correctly.

(JP)—Hyperopia—Refractive condition in which the point of focus falls behind the retina; farsightedness.

(NEI)—Hyperopia—Farsightedness; ability to see distant objects more clearly than close objects.

Floaters

Tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision. While floaters are usually harmless, they can be a warning of certain eye problems, especially if there is a sudden change.

Glaucoma

Occurs when there is too much fluid pressure in the eye, causing eye damage and potential blindness. Although glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, it can be prevented if the disease is detected and treated in time.

(JP)—Usually characterized by increased intraocular pressure, resulting in damage to the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibers.

(NERF)—A condition in which the pressure in the eye increases. The normal is- mm. of mercury as measured by standardized instruments. The pressure can increase gradually and can affect the eye's normal function.

Macular Degeneration

(AOA)—Leading cause of blindness in America.

(JP)—Common cause of decreased vision in adults older than 60, evident as loss of pigment from pigment epithelium and deposits of yellowish matter in sub-pigment epithelial layer in central retinal zone.

(NERF)—The degeneration of the nerve endings in the macula area, which includes the fovea. Senile macular degeneration refers to age-related degeneration of this area. Sometimes referred to as "ARMD," for age-related macular degeneration.

Nearsightedness

The inability to see things clearly at a distance.

(AOA)—A vision condition in which near objects are seen clearly, but distant objects do not come into proper focus. Occurs if your eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, so the light entering your eye is not focused correctly. It is a very common vision condition that affects nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population.

(JP)—Myopia—Refractive condition in which the point of focus falls in front of the retina; nearsightedness.

(NEI)—Myopia—Nearsightedness; ability to see close objects more clearly than distant objects.

Ocular Hypertension

(AOA)—An increase in the pressure in your eyes that is above the range considered normal with no detectable changes in vision or damage to the structure of your eyes. The term is used to distinguish people with elevated pressure from those with glaucoma. It can occur in people of all ages, but it occurs more frequently in African-Americans, and people older than 40 with family histories of ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma. It is also more common in people who are very nearsighted or who have diabetes.

Presbyopia

Gradual decline in the ability to focus on close objects or to see small print. Regardless of your prior vision correction needs, presbyopia is considered a normal and almost inevitable part of the aging process.

(AOA)—A vision condition in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult to focus on close objects.

(JP)—Gradual lessening of power of accommodation; usually becomes noticeable at age 40 to 45.

(NERF)—a gradual lessening of the ability to focus up close, resulting in difficulty seeing near objects, i.e., reading.

(NEI)—The gradual loss of the eye's ability to change focus for seeing near objects caused by the lens becoming less elastic; occurs in almost all people older than age 45.

Retinal Detachment

(JP)—Separation of sensory retina from underlying pigment epithelium. Disrupts visual cell structure and disturbs vision.

Sclera

(NEI)—The tough, white outer layer of the eyeball; with the cornea, it protects the entire eyeball.

Strabismus

Also known as "cross eyes." One or both eyes turn in, out, up, or down, independent of the other eye.

(NERF)—The condition in which binocular fixation is not present under normal seeing conditions, i.e., the line of sight of one eye does or does not intersect the other at the object of fixation. Also commonly referred to as "crossed eyes."

Equipment

Automated Visual Fields

Determine peripheral and central vision disorders.

Autorefractor

Determines nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Biomicroscope/Slit Lamp

Examines the external eye for abnormalities.

(VEE)—Used to examine the cornea (clear "window" of the eye).

(JP)—Examines eye in layer-by-layer detail.

Intraocular Pressure

(NEI)—Pressure of the fluid inside the eye; normal IOP varies among individuals.

Keratometer

(VEE)—An instrument used to check the front curvature of the cornea's surface. This test is important for anyone interested in contact lenses.

(JP)—Measures curve of cornea; used in fitting contact lenses.

Lensometer

Measures the power of your current prescription lenes.

(VEE)—An instrument that allows an eye care professional to read a prescription directly from a pair of glasses.

Ophthalmoscope

Examines the internal portion of the eye for a wide range of problems.

(VEE)—A noninvasive, handheld instrument the doctor uses to view the entire dilated eye. It has a bright light, which illuminates and magnifies the eye's interior.

Phoropter

(VEE)—A mask-like instrument positioned so that each eye sees through a separate lens.

(JP)—Determines the amount of vision correction necessary.

(NERF)—An instrument for determining the refractive state of the eye.

Tonometer

Tests eyes for increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma).

(NEI)—Tests eyes to determine the fluid pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).

(NERF)—An instrument for measuring the interior pressure of the eye.

Exam Tests

Dilation

Drops might be used to temporarily enlarge the pupil. The doctor can only see 45 percent of the eye without dilation. By examining the entire inside of the eye, the doctor can see problems that you cannot feel or see until they impair your vision.

(NEI)—A process by which the pupil is temporarily enlarged with special eye drops. Allows the eye care specialist to better view the inside of the eye.

Ophthalmoscopy

The doctor examines the inside of your eyes with an instrument that illuminates and magnifies the interior of the eye. Conditions such as cataracts, diabetes, or hypertension can be detected.

Refraction

The degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism is determined during this test. A series of lenses are used and adjusted before your eyes to determine the best correction.

Tonometry

This test measures the internal pressure of the eye. High pressure of the eye might indicate the presence of glaucoma.

Visual Acuity Test

This test checks vision sharpness. During the exam, you will be asked to read letters on an eye chart with each eye. The smaller the letters that can be distinguished, the better your visual acuity. Both distance and near vision are checked.

Reading letters or characters with each eye to test sharpness. Vision from far and near is checked.

Eye Care Professionals

Optician

As defined by the Opticians Association of America, opticians are professionals in the field of designing, finishing, fitting, and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses, based on an eye doctor's prescription. The optician also might dispense colored and specialty lenses for particular needs, as well as low-vision aids and artificial eyes.

Ophthalmologist

As defined by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, an ophthalmologist is a physician (doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy) who specializes in the comprehensive care of the eyes and visual system in the prevention of eye disease and injury. The ophthalmologist is a physician who is qualified by lengthy medical education, training, and experience to diagnose, treat, and manage all eye and visual system problems, and is licensed by a state regulatory board to practice medicine and surgery.

Optometric Assistant

According to the American Optometric Association, an optometric assistant is primarily involved in front-office procedures, optical dispensing, and contact lens patient education. A registered optometric assistant is designated by Opt. A., R.

Optometric Technician

As defined by the American Optometric Association, the paraoptometric technician is prepared for widely diversified job duties through academic and clinical experience. Technicians work directly with optometrists in the areas of patient examination and treatment, including contact lenses, low vision, vision therapy, optical dispensing, and office management. A registered optometric technician is designated by Opt. T., R.

Optometrist

As defined by the American Optometric Association, doctors of optometry are independent healthcare providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists are state-licensed healthcare professionals. They prescribe glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, and medications, as well as perform certain surgical procedures. They hold a doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree.

Paraoptometric

As defined by the American Optometric Association, a paraoptometric works under the direct supervision of a licensed doctor of optometry, collects patient data, administers routine yet technical tests of the patient's visual capabilities, and assists in office management. The paraoptometric also might assist the optometrist in providing primary patient care examination and treatment.

Lenses

Anti Reflective (A-R) Coating

Provides nearly total light transmittance for the maximum reduction of reflection. This increase in light transmittance permits you to see things more clearly, with crisper detail.

Bifocal Lenses

(JP)—Multifocals with lines that provide (correction for both distance and near vision) two fields of vision: distance and near. There is no correction for viewing at the intermediate distance.

Mirror Coating

A special treatment applied to the front surface of each lens through a vacuum process that allows the lens to take on the properties of a two-way mirror. It reflects the harsh light rays that are emitted from surfaces such as water, snow, and ice.

(JP)—A thin metallic coating over tinted lens, either glass or plastic. The coating reduces overall brilliance of light and is recommended for water or snow sports.

Multifocal Lenses

(JP)—Can be divided into two categories: lenses with lines and lenses with no lines.

Polarized

The best way to cut down on reflected glare. Although regular tinted sun lenses will reduce the amount of visible light, they offer little protection from glare that is caused by reflections off of the water, snow, or shiny objects.

(JP)—Feature a polarizing filter sandwiched between pieces of tinted glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. They eliminate glare created by light bouncing off of surfaces such as water, sand, or snow.

Single Vision Lenses

(JP)—Provide correction with only one focal point. They correct hyperopia or myopia, including the condition of astigmatism.

Tints

(JP)—Can be applied to glass and plastic lenses to provide an additional health benefit by reducing eyestrain. The color often is based on the consumer's preference.

Trifocal Lenses

(JP)—Multifocals with lines that provide (correction for three fields of vision, including distance, near, and intermediate in one lens) three fields of vision.

Ultraviolet (UV) Coating

(JP)—Reduces the absorption of UVA and UVB rays that can damage the cornea. The coating is clear and applied to the lens before tinting.

Lens Material

Glass Lenses

Provides good scratch resistance and can accommodate a wide range of prescriptions. Glass lenses used to be the only choice for corrective lenses. However, glass is heavy and can be uncomfortable to wear. It is also easier to break or crack.

High Index

For people with a higher prescription. High index produces a thinner, lighter, more attractive lens.

High Index Plastic

(JP)—Lighter and thinner than conventional plastic and glass. It is more impact resistant than glass, but less impact resistant than polycarbonate and conventional plastic.

Plastic Lenses

Plastic is the most widely used material for eyeglass lenses. It's lighter in weight than glass, but not as scratch resistant. Scratch-resistant coating is highly recommended for plastic lenses.

Polycarbonate Lenses

The strongest, safest, lightest, and thinnest lens material available. They are also the most impact-resistant lenses available today, and are commonly used for children's glasses, sports glasses, and safety glasses.

(JP)—The strongest, safest, lightest, and thinnest lens material available. It is more impact resistant than glass, conventional, or high index plastic lenses.

Scratch Resistant

(JP)—A coating that increases the lenses' durability. It is applied to the front and back of plastic, polycarbonate, and mirror-coated lenses.