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Glossary
Amblyopia — Also know 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 over 65.
(JP) - Opacity or cloudiness of crystalline lens; may 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 may begin to leak,
swell or develop brush-like branches.Early stages may cause blurred vision,
or they may produce no visual symptoms at all.As the disease progresses, you
may 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 may prescribe "artificial tears" to correct this problem.
(NERF) - An eye which 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.Ocurs 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 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, 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 eyes normal function.
Macular Degeneration — (AOA) - Leading cause of blindness in
America.
(JP) Common cause of decreased vision in adults over 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 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, those over
40 and those with family histories of ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma.It
is also more common in those 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 40-45. (NERF) - a gradual lessening of the ability to focus at near resulting
in difficulty of 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 over age 45.
Retinal Detachment — (JP) - Separation of sensory retina from
underlying pigment epithelium, disrupts visual cell structure.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 near and 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
lens.
(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 non-invasive, hand-held 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 amount of vision correction necessary.
(NERF) An instrument of 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 — The use of drops may be used to temporarily enlarge
the pupil.The doctor can only see 45% 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.As 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 may 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 may also 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
and 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
health care 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 health care 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 may 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 crispier 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 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 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 is often
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 may damage the cornea.The coating is clear and applied
to the lens before tinting.
Lens Material
Glass Lenses — Provides good scratch-resistant 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 which increases the lenses
durability.It is applied to the front and back of plastic, polycarbonate and
mirror-coated lenses. |
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