Eye Health Terms

Question 1

Amblyopia

Answer 1

A general term that denotes poor vision in an otherwise healthy eye, which cannot be corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses. This condition is often referred to as “lazy eye”.

Question 2

Amblyopia (organic)

Answer 2

Visual loss due to disease in the retina, or in the visual pathway between the retina and the brain.

Question 3

Amblyopia (toxic)

Answer 3

Loss of visual acuity from excessive toxic substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

Question 4

Astigmatism

Answer 4

Distorted vision typically caused by an irregular shaped cornea. When the cornea is not perfectly spherical in shape, two different points of focus may be formed in the same eye, creating distorted and blurred vision. Astigmatism often accompanies myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Question 5

Cataract

Answer 5

A condition of the crystalline lens, in which the normally clear lens becomes clouded or yellowed, resulting in blurred or foggy vision. Cataracts may be caused by aging, eye injuries, disease, heredity or birth defects.

Question 6

Diabetic retinopathy

Answer 6

A disease of the retina caused by high blood sugar. High blood sugar can damage tiny blood vessels in the retina.

Question 7

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Answer 7

Many people using a computer for long periods experience eyestrain, this is called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS affects everyone who works on a computer and consists of symptoms such as headache, dry eyes, fatigue, blurred and double vision.

Question 8

Dry Eye

Answer 8

Dry eye is a persistent lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye, causing slight but regular irritation to ocular inflammation of the anterior (front) tissues of the eye.

Question 9

Floaters

Answer 9

Floaters are what appear to be small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. But they are actually small clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. They may look like strands, webs, specks, or other shapes, but they are shadows cast on the retina.

Question 10

Glaucoma

Answer 10

Increased pressure in the eye, caused by abnormally high production of fluid or a decrease in the eye’s ability to drain that fluid. Untreated, permanent damage to the optic nerve and possible blindness if untreated. Chronic glaucoma occurs gradually, is painless, and has few warning symptoms. Acute glaucoma is marked by sudden, severe pain in and around the eye, sharply decreased vision, nausea, and vomiting.

Question 11

Macular Degeneration

Answer 11

Damage or breakdown of the macula, the central point of focus on the retina. It is usually caused by aging as the tissues in the eye thin and begins to break down. Symptoms include loss of color vision, a dark or empty area in the center of the visual field, or blurred vision in that area.

Question 12

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Answer 12

Condition in which the eye focuses light rays in front of, rather than on the retina, resulting in near objects being seen clearly and distant objects being blurred.

Question 13

Ocular hypertension

Answer 13

Refers to any situation in which pressure in the eye is higher than normal.

Question 14

Ophthalmologist

Answer 14

A medical doctor (M.D. or O.D.) who specializes in treating diseases of the eye and eye surgery.

Question 15

Optician

Answer 15

One who fits, fabricates, and dispenses eyeglasses. An optician fills prescriptions for eyeglasses and other optical aids as specified by either optometrists or Ophthalmologist.

Question 16

Optometrist

Answer 16

A board certified doctor of optometry (O.D.), licensed to examine eye disease and other abnormalities of the eye, to administer certain medications, and to prescribe and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses as well as other optical aids.

Question 17

Presbyopia

Answer 17

Loss of the eye’s ability for “accommodation” (focusing on near objects) with age. Occurring in one’s early forties, we often have to hold menus and books at arm’s length in order to read. Presbyopia can be treated with eyeglasses.

Question 18

Strabismus

Answer 18

Misalignment of the two eyes, in which they point at different positions. Strabismus is more common in children and eyeglasses, vision training, and/or surgery can correct it.