Glossary of Eye Terms
Retina: The thin layer of nerves that lines the back of the eye. The retina senses light and transmits light impulses to the optic nerve and then the brain.
Retinitis pigmentosa: Any of a number of inherited retinal disorders in which there is a progressive loss of vision. In general, patients with this disorder first experience a loss of night vision, which is then followed by tunnel vision and eventually a loss of central vision.
Retinoblastoma: A malignant tumor that forms on the retina. Retinoblastoma most often affects children under the age of 5. It can occur in one or both eyes.
Sclera: The outer coat of the eyeball that forms the whites of a person's eyes.
Strabismus: A condition in which the eyes are misaligned and unable to point in the same direction at the same time. Crossed eyes is an example of strabismus.
Tunnel vision: A condition in which a person lacks any peripheral vision. Tunnel vision can be caused by any number of conditions including retinitis pigmentosa, untreated glaucoma, and stroke.
Visual acuity: How well a person sees.
Visual field: The entire range in which a person can see, including peripheral vision.
Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure in which the vitreous humor is removed from the eyeball and replaced with a clear gel or liquid. Vitrectomies are done when scarring or blood in the vitreous is causing blockage of vision.
Vitreous humor: The clear gel-like substance found inside the center of the eyeball.
Eye Health Glossary
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Retina: The thin layer of nerves that lines the back of the eye. The retina senses light and transmits light impulses to the optic nerve and then the brain.
Retinitis pigmentosa: Any of a number of inherited retinal disorders in which there is a progressive loss of vision. In general, patients with this disorder first experience a loss of night vision, which is then followed by tunnel vision and eventually a loss of central vision.
Retinoblastoma: A malignant tumor that forms on the retina. Retinoblastoma most often affects children under the age of 5. It can occur in one or both eyes.
Sclera: The outer coat of the eyeball that forms the whites of a person's eyes.
Strabismus: A condition in which the eyes are misaligned and unable to point in the same direction at the same time. Crossed eyes is an example of strabismus.
Tunnel vision: A condition in which a person lacks any peripheral vision. Tunnel vision can be caused by any number of conditions including retinitis pigmentosa, untreated glaucoma, and stroke.
Visual acuity: How well a person sees.
Visual field: The entire range in which a person can see, including peripheral vision.
Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure in which the vitreous humor is removed from the eyeball and replaced with a clear gel or liquid. Vitrectomies are done when scarring or blood in the vitreous is causing blockage of vision.
Vitreous humor: The clear gel-like substance found inside the center of the eyeball.