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LASIK - the acronym for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis which refers to creating a flap in the cornea with a microkeratome and using a laser to reshape the underlying cornea.
Optometrist - a primary eye care provider who diagnoses, manages, and treats disorders of the visual system and eye diseases.
Halos are rings around lights due to optical imperfections in or in front of the eye.
Endothelium - the inner layer of cells on the inside surface of the cornea.
Diopter - the measurement of refractive error. A negative diopter value signifies an eye with myopia and positive diopter value signifies an eye with hyperopia.
Excimer laser - an ultraviolet laser used in refractive surgery to remove corneal tissue.
Stroma - the middle, thickest layer of tissue in the cornea.
Refractive Errors - imperfections in the focusing power of the eye, for example, hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism
Nearsightedness - the common term for myopia.
In Situ a Latin term meaning "in place" or not removed.
Laser - the acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A laser is an instrument that produces a powerful beam of light that can vaporize tissue.
Iris - the colored ring of tissue suspended behind the cornea and immediately in front of the lens.
Nearsightedness - the common term for myopia.
Ablation zone - the area of tissue that is removed during laser surgery.
FDA - the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. It is the United States governmental agency responsible for the evaluation and approval of medical devices.
Optician - an expert in the art and science of making and fitting glasses and may also dispense contact lenses.
Pupil - a hole in the center of the iris that changes size in response to changes in lighting. It gets larger in dim lighting conditions and gets smaller in brighter lighting conditions.
Keratotomy - a surgical incision (cut) of the cornea.
Sclera - the tough, white, outer layer (coat) of the eyeball that, along with the cornea, protects the eyeball.
PRK - the acronym for photorefractive keratectomy which is a procedure involving the removal of the surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) by gentle scraping and use of a computer-controlled excimer laser to reshape the stroma.
Ablate - in surgery, is to remove.
Informed Consent Form a document disclosing the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a procedure.
Keratectomy - the surgical removal of corneal tissue.
Cornea - the clear, front part of the eye. The cornea is the first part of the eye that bends (or refracts) the light and provides most of the focusing power.
Vitreous Humor - the transparent, colorless mass of gel that lies behind the lens and in front of the retina and fills the center of the eyeball.
Dry Eye Syndrome - a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Common symptoms of dry eye include pain, stinging, burning, scratchiness, and intermittent blurring of vision.
Visual Acuity - the clearness of vision; the ability to distinguish details and shapes.
Refraction - a test to determine the refractive power of the eye; also, the bending of light as it passes from one medium into another.
Myopia - the inability to see distant objects as clearly as near objects.
Kerato - prefix indicating relationship to the cornea.
Snellen Visual Acuity Chart - one of many charts used to measure vision.
Wavefront - a measure of the total refractive errors of the eye, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other refractive errors that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts.
Lens - a part of the eye that provides some focusing power. The lens is able to change shape allowing the eye to focus at different distances.
This is not a compete list of medical terminology or definitions. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content on this site reflects the opinions of the individual contributors.
