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Graphics and text provided by
The Macular Center, Dr. Dana Deupree
Accommodation
The ability of the
eye to change its focus from distant to near
objects; process achieved by the lens changing
its shape.
Blind Spot
(1) A small area
of the retina where the optic nerve enters the
eye; occurs normally in all eyes.
(2) Any gap in the visual field corresponding
to an area of the retina where no visual cells
are present; associated with eye disease.
Cones
One type of
specialized light-sensitive cells
(photoreceptors) in the retina that provide
sharp central vision and color vision.
Cornea
The outer,
transparent, dome-like structure that covers
the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber; part of
eye's focusing system.
Central Retinal
Artery
The blood vessel
that carries blood into the eye. Responsible
for supplying nutrition to the retina.
Dilation
A process by
which the pupil is temporarily enlarged with
special eye drops (mydriatic); allows the eye
care specialist to better view the inside of
the eye.
Dilation is a
process by which the pupil is temporarily
enlarged with special eye drops (mydriatic).
Dilating your pupil allows the doctor to
better view the inside of the eye,
particularly, your vitreous and retina.
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Undilated
Pupil |
Dilated
Pupil |
Fluorescein
angiography
(FLOR-uh-seen an-jee-AHG-ruh-fee)
A test to examine blood vessels in the retina,
choroid, and iris. A special dye is injected
into a vein in the arm and pictures are taken
as the dye passes through blood vessels in the
eye. A common study in the retina doctor's
office.
Fovea
(FOH-vee-uh)
The central part of the macula that provides
the sharpest visual acuity.
Intraocular
Pressure (IOP)
Pressure of the
fluid inside the eye; normal IOP varies among
individuals.
Intraocular
Pressure (IOP)
Pressure of the
fluid inside the eye; normal IOP varies among
individuals.
Iris
The colored ring
of tissue suspended behind the cornea and
immediately in front of the lens; regulates
the amount of light entering the eye by
adjusting the size of the pupil.
Lens
The transparent,
double convex (outward curve on both sides)
structure suspended between the aqueous and
vitreous; helps to focus light on the retina.
Macula
(MAK-yoo-luh)
The small, sensitive area of the central
retina; provides vision for fine work and
reading.
Optic Disc / Optic
Nerve Head
The circular area
(disc) where the optic nerve connects to the
retina.
Optic Nerve
The bundle of over
one million nerve fibers that carry visual
messages from the retina to the brain.
Peripheral
(per-IF-ur-al)
Side vision; ability to see objects and
movement outside of the direct line of vision.
Posterior Chamber
The space between
the back of the iris and the front face of the
vitreous; filled with aqueous fluid.
Presbyopia
The gradual loss
of the eye's ability to change focus
(accommodation) for seeing near objects caused
by the lens becoming less elastic; associated
with aging; occurs in almost all people over
age 45.
Pupil
The adjustable
opening at the center of the iris that allows
varying amounts of light to enter the eye.
Retina
(RET-in-nuh)
The light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines
the back of the eyeball; sends visual messages
through the optic nerve to the brain.
Retinal Pigment
Epithelium (RPE)
(ep-ih-THEE-lee-um)
The pigment cell layer that nourishes the
retinal cells; located just outside the retina
and attached to the choroid.
Visual Acuity
The ability to
distinguish details and shapes of objects;
also called central vision.
Vitreous
(VIT-ree-us)
The transparent, colorless mass of gel that
lies behind lens and in front of retina.
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