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“A Clearer Insight into Optical Terms – Your Eye Health Glossary”
A Clearer Insight into Optical Terms
Understanding these terms can help you communicate more effectively with your independent optometrist and make informed decisions about your eye health. Regular eye exams and proper eye care are essential for maintaining good vision and overall eye health.
Purpose of this glossary
- Communicate more effectively with your optometrist.
- Make informed decisions about your eye health.
- Recognise the importance of regular eye exams and proper care.
Amblyopia
Often known as “lazy eye,” a condition where vision in one eye does not develop properly during childhood. Treatment may include glasses, patching the stronger eye, or eye exercises.
Astigmatism
A common vision condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens that leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Bifocal
Eyeglasses with lenses containing two distinct optical powers—typically for near and distance vision. They’re divided by a visible line. (Progressive lenses offer a seamless transition.)
Cataract
Clouding of the eye’s natural lens leading to a gradual decrease in vision. Cataracts can be removed surgically, with the clouded lens replaced by an artificial lens.
Conjunctivitis
Also known as “pink eye,” an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the clear tissue covering the white of the eye and inside of the eyelids. Often caused by infection or allergies.
Cornea
The clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. It plays a key role in focusing vision.
Diopter
A unit of measurement for the optical power of lenses. Indicates the degree of correction needed for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Emmetropia
The term for an eye with no refractive error. In this state, it can focus perfectly on objects without correction.
Hyperopia
Also known as farsightedness—difficulty focusing on close objects while distant objects may appear clearer. Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Keratoconus
Thinning and outward bulging of the cornea into a cone shape, distorting vision. May require specialised contact lenses or surgery.
Myopia
Nearsightedness—close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Presbyopia
Age-related loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close objects. Commonly corrected with reading glasses, multifocals, or contact lenses.
Pupil
The black circular opening in the centre of the iris that regulates the amount of light entering the eye.
Retina
The inner light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals, which travel to the brain to create images.
Retinal Detachment
A serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Sudden flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow in vision require urgent assessment. If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate care.
Visual Acuity
The clarity or sharpness of vision, commonly measured with a Snellen chart (e.g., 6/6 or 20/20).
Vitreous
The clear, gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina, helping the eye maintain its shape.
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