Ophthalmology

The branch of medicine specializing in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of eye disorders and diseases.

Ophthalmologist:

A medical doctor who specializes in ophthalmology, providing comprehensive eye care, conducting surgeries, and prescribing corrective lenses.

 

Optometrist:

A healthcare professional trained in optometry, focusing on vision care, prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and detecting certain eye conditions.

 

Retina:

The light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that receives and processes visual information, essential for sight.

 

Cornea:

The transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil, playing a crucial role in focusing light.

 

Cataract:

Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision, a common condition treated through cataract surgery.

 

Glaucoma:

A group of eye conditions characterized by increased intraocular pressure, potentially causing damage to the optic nerve and vision loss.

 

Macular Degeneration:

A progressive condition affecting the macula, leading to central vision loss, often associated with aging.

 

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis):

A surgical procedure using laser technology to reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

 

Conjunctivitis:

Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye), commonly known as pink eye.

 

Visual Acuity:

The clarity and sharpness of vision, often measured using an eye chart and expressed as a fraction (e.g., 20/20).

 

Intraocular Lens (IOL):

An artificial lens implanted during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s natural lens.

 

Astigmatism:

A refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

 

Strabismus:

A condition characterized by misalignment of the eyes, commonly known as crossed eyes or lazy eye.