ARMD
(A)ge (R)elated (M)acular (D)egeneration - Macular
degeneration is a disorder that affects the macula (the
central part of the retina of the eye)causing decreased
visual acuity and possible loss of central vision.
Astigmatism
Either the front of the eye, the cornea or the lenses has
an irregular shape. It is more oval like a football,
instead of spherical like a basketball. This causes
incoming light to be focused on multiple points instead of
just one
Cataract
Any clouding or opacification of the normally clear
crystalline lens of the eye
Cornea
The transparent, convex, anterior or front portion of the
eyeball that covers the iris and the pupil and is
continuous with the sclera.
Corneal Topography
Measurement of the shape of the cornea.
Diopter
a unit of optical measurement which refers to the ability
of a lens to bend light. A 1 diopter lens bends a beam of
light 1 cm at a distance of 1 meter
Farsightedness
Light entering the eye is focused past the retina, causing
the image to be blurred. Essentially the eyeball is too
short.
LASIK
Laser in Situ Keratomileusis. The use of a keratome and
excimer laser to reshape the eye to refocus the images
projected to the retina.
Nearsightedness
Light entering the eye is focused short of the retina,
causing the image to be blurred. Essentially the eyeball is
too long.
Pachymetry
The use of an instrument to measure the thickness of the
cornea.
PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy. Use of an excimer laser to
reshape the front part of the eye (the cornea).
Presbyopia
Inability of the eye to focus sharply on nearby objects,
resulting from loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens
with advancing age.
Retina
A structure in the back of the eye, designed to receive and
transmit the light entering the eye to the optic nerve.
Macular Degneration
The deterioration of the central part of the retina. It is
the primary cause of irreversible vision loss in patiens
living in developed countries.
Microkeratome
An automated microsurgical instrument, used to create a
hinged flap. Much like a carpenter's plane.