Glossary
Astigmatism: Blurred images at both distance and
near due to irregular curvature of the cornea.
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Cataracts:
Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can cause changes in
vision. Symptoms of cataracts include cloudy or fuzzy vision, as well as
sensitivity to glare. Cataracts are treated with surgery.
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Diabetic
Eye Disease: A disease of the small blood vessels of the retina of the eye
in people with diabetes. In this disease, the vessels swell and leak liquid
into the retina, blurring the vision and sometimes leading to blindness.
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Dry Eye
Syndrome: Excessive dryness in the eye.
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Glaucoma:
A disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure.
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Hyperopia
(farsighted): The farsighted eye has a cornea that is too flat, or the eye
is too short. Light rays refracted through the cornea converge at a focal point
behind the retina. This results in close objects being out of focus while
distant objects are clearer.
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LASIK:
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis; a popular surgical approach used to
correct vision in people who are
nearsighted,
farsighted, or have
astigmatism.
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Macular
Degeneration: A deterioration or breakdown of a small area in the retina at
the back of the eye that allows you to see fine details clearly and perform
activities such as reading and driving.
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Myopia
(nearsighted): Nearsightedness occurs when the eye's cornea is shaped too
steeply, or the eye is too long. Incoming light rays are refracted to a focal
point in front of the retina instead of on the retina. This results in distant
objects being out of focus, while close objects can be seen clearly.
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Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor with additional
specialized training in all aspects of eye care - medical, surgical and
optical.
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Optician:
Fits, adjusts and dispenses eyeglasses, contact lenses and other optical
devices on written prescriptions of a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.
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Optometrist: Determines the need for eyeglasses
and contact lenses, prescribe optical correction and screen for abnormalities
of the eye.
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Presbyopia: Presbyopia is the normal worsening of vision with age,
especially near vision. As you approach middle age, the lenses in your eyes
begin to thicken and lose their flexibility.
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PRK:
Photorefractive keratectomy; a type of laser eye surgery used to correct
mild to moderate
nearsightedness,
farsightedness and/or
astigmatism. PRK is another refractive procedure that may be
suggested if a person has thin corneas.
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Refractive
Errors: An error in the
focusing of
light by the
eye and a frequent
reason for reduced
visual
acuity.
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Routine
Eye Exam: A series of tests done to check your vision and health of your
eyes.
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