Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Cataracts |
A clouding of the eye's lens causing blurred or distorted vision |
Chalazion |
A small circumscribed tumor of the eyelid formed by retention of secretions of the meibomian gland and sometimes accompanied by inflammation. |
Color Deficiency |
Color vision deficiency means that your ability to distinguish some colors and shades is less than normal. It occurs when the color-sensitive cone cells in your eyes do not properly pick up or send the proper color signals to your brain. About eight percent of men and one percent of women are color deficient. Red-green deficiency is by far the most common form, and it results in the inability to distinguish certain shades of red and green. Those with a less common type have difficulty distinguishing blue and yellow. In very rare cases, color deficiency exists to an extent that no colors can be detected, only shades of black, white and grey. Since many learning materials are color-coded, it is important to diagnose color vision deficiency early in life. This is why the Wisconsin Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive optometric examination before a child begins school. Color vision deficiency is usually inherited and cannot be cured, but those affected can often be taught to adapt to the inability to distinguish colors. In some cases, a special red tinted contact lens is used in one eye to aid persons with certain color deficiencies. |
Conjunctivitis |
Conjunctivitis is a term used to describe an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a transparent layer covering the surfaces of the inner eyelid and the front of the eyeball. The three main causes of conjunctivitis are infectious, allergic and chemical. A contagious virus or bacteria cause the infectious form, commonly known as pink eye. The bodys allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals or fabrics often bring on allergic conjunctivitis. Irritants like air pollution, fumes, and chlorine may produce the chemical form. Common symptoms are red eyes, inflamed inner eyelids, watery eyes, blurred vision and a scratchy feeling in the eyes. Using an antibiotic eye drop and/or ointment usually treats it. |
Crossed-eyes (strabismus) |
Crossed-eyes occurs when one or both of your eyes turns in, out, up or down. Poor eye muscle control usually causes crossed-eyes. This misalignment often first appears before age 21 months but may develop as late as age six. This is one reason why the American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive optometric examination before six months and again at age three. There is a common misconception that a child will outgrow crossed-eyes. This is not true. In fact, the condition may get worse without treatment. Treatment for crossed-eyes may include single vision or bifocal eyeglasses, prisms, vision therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Vision therapy helps align your eyes and solves the underlying cause of crossed-eyes by teaching your two eyes to work together. Surgery alone may straighten your eyes, but unless your eye muscle control is improved, your eyes may not remain straight. If detected and treated early, crossed-eyes can often be corrected with excellent results. |
Additional Information