Medical Terms and Meanings (listed alphabetically)

Allergens - microscopic particles of dust, pollen and other natural substances to which a person may have an allergic reaction

Artificial Tears - a solution designed to mimic natural tears in order to moisturize and/or rinse the eye

Astigmatism/Astigmatic - a condition of the focus of the eye that results in a distortion of visual images

Cataract - see What is a Cataract?

Cornea - the transparent layer forming the front of the eye

Farsighted - see Hyperopia

Glaucoma - see Glaucoma

Hemifacial Spasm - a condition in which facial muscles involutarily contract, resulting in facial tics and distortions of expression

Hyperopia (Farsightedness) - a condition of the eye in which close vision is impaired, with some impairment of distance vision as well

Macula - the part of the retina responsible for straight-ahead vision

Myopia (Nearsightedness) - a condition of the eye in which distance vision is impaired because the eye is too long in relation to the curvature of the cornea or the focusing power of the eye is too strong

Nearsightedness - see Myopia

Nystagmus - rapid involuntary movements of the eye

Ophthalmology/Ophthalmologist - the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye

Retina - the layer of light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye, upon which the lens and cornea of the eye focus images

Vascular Disease - diseases concerning the circulatory system, notably high blood pressure