Glossary of Terms
Listed below are some definitions commonly used in eye health for your convenience. More information is available under eye conditions, procedures and day eye surgery. If you require any further information, please contact us direct on +61 2 9622 7667 or email info@metwesteyecentre.com.au. Thank you.-
A-scan
- The measurement of the length of the eye
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Acute
- Rapid onset, with a short duration
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AMD
- Age-related macular degeneration – a condition affecting the central vision
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Astigmatism
- Shape of cornea like a football not a soccer ball
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Avastin
- Off-label drug used in the treatment of some retinal conditions
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B-Scan
- An ultrasound used to look at the structures of the eye
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Blepharitis
- Inflammation of the eyelids
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Cataract
- A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye.
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Chalazion
- A cyst in the eyelid that causes the eyelid to swell
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Chronic
- Lasting for a long period of time
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Diabetic Retinopathy
- Changes to the blood vessels on the retina associated with diabetes
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Dry AMD
- Central geographic atrophy – where the cells of the retina die and leave patches of no retina
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DVA
- Department of Veterans' Affairs
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Ectropion
- An eyelid that sits turned outwards
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Entropion
- An eyelid that sits turned inwards
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Field Test
- A test that monitors the quality of your side vision.
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Glaucoma
- Glaucoma is a progressive condition, usually caused by raised pressure in the eye.
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Keratometry
- The measurement of the curvature at the front of the eye (the cornea)
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Lucentis
- Drug used in the treatment of wet AMD
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Macula
- The part of your retina that is responsible for your detailed, coloured central vision.
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Myopia
- Reduced distance vision
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OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
- A scan used to analyse the retina or optic disc
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Ophthalmologist
- A medical doctor specialising in the treatment of the diseases of the eye
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Optometrist
- An eye professional who prescribes glasses
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Orthoptist
- A member of the eye care team who assists in investigating and managing disorders of the eye
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Pachymetry
- The measurement of the thickness of the cornea
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Pingueculum
- A yellowish patch or bump on the white of the eye
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Pterygium
- A benign growth on the front of the eye (the conjunctiva), that can distort the vision
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Ptosis
- A droopy eyelid
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Referral
- A letter from your local doctor or optometrist to an Ophthalmologist, recommending you see them
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Sclera
- The white of your eye
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Slit Lamp
- The microscope the Ophthalmologist uses to examine your eye
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SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
- A laser used to treat glaucoma
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Strabismus
- Turn in the eye (squint)
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Toric Lens
- Artificial lens to correct astigmatism
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Triamcinilone
- A steroid used in the treatment of some retinal conditions
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Wet AMD
- Neovascular or exudative, wet form of AMD – where blood vessels in the retina leak fluid which distorts the retina
Frequently Asked Questions
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