Glossary - Eye Care
[back to top]
abscess - pocket of pus.
accommodation - the ability of the eye to focus.
amblyopia - sometimes called "lazy eye;" is the reduction or dimming of vision in an eye that appears to be normal.
anterior chamber - the front section of the eye's interior where aqueous humor flows in and out of providing nourishment to the eye and surrounding tissues.
aqueous humor - the clear, watery fluid in the front of the eyeball.
astigmatism - a vision problem that results in blurred images.
[back to top]
binocular vision - the ability to use both eyes at once.
blood vessels - tubes (arteries and veins) that carry blood to and from the eye.
[back to top]
caruncle - a small, red portion of the corner of the eye that contains modified sebaceous and sweat glands.
cataract - a change in the structure of the crystalline lens that causes blurred vision.
choroid - the thin, blood-rich membrane that lies between the retina and the sclera; responsible for supplying blood to the retina.
ciliary body - the part of the eye that produces aqueous humor (the clear, watery fluid that moves in the eyeball).
conjunctiva - the membrane that lines the exposed eyeball and the inside of the eyelid.
conjunctivitis - inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye.
cornea - the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.
corneal curvature - the shape of the front surface of the eye.
[back to top]
depth perception - the ability to distinguish objects in a visual field.
diplopia - double vision.
[back to top]
[back to top]
fluorescein stain - a dye placed in the eye. A special light is then used to make the dye "glow" in the eye. Any abrasion or scratch on the cornea can be seen.
[back to top]
glaucoma - increased intraocular pressure that can result in optic nerve damage and loss of sight.
[back to top]
hyaloid canal - narrow passageway that allows blood to flow through the eye during development.
hyperopia - farsightedness.
[back to top]
iris - the colored part of the eye. The iris is partly responsibl