Double vision caused by each eye focusing separately;

also known as diplopia. 

(am-bee-OH-pee-ah)

Reduced vision that is not correctable with lenses and with no obvious pathological or structural cause ("dullness or dimnes of vision"). 

(am-blee-OH-pee-ah)

Inequality in the diameter of teh puplis of the eyes. 

(an-eye-soh-KOH-ree-ah)

Absence of the lens of the eye

(ah-FAY-kee-ah)

A pupil that constrics upon accommodation but not in respoinse to light. This can be due to miosis or advanced neurosyphilis. 

(are-GILL ROB-ert-son pupil)

Ophthalmic examination of the eye by use of a slit lamp and a magnifying lens; also known as a slit-lamp exam

(BYE-oh-mye-kros-koh-pee)

Relaxation of the skin of teh eyelid (usually the upper eyelid). The skin may droop over the edge of the eyelid when the eyes are open. 

(blef-ah-roh-KAL-ah-sis)

Drooping of the upper eyelid. 

(blef-ah-roh-TOH-sis)

A twitching of the eyelid muscles; may be due to eyestrain or nervous irritability 

(blef-ah-roh-SPAZM)

Inflammation of teh conjunctiva of the eye; may be caused by a bacterial infection, a viral infection, allergy, or a response to the environment. 

(kon-junk-tih-VYE-tis)

Pertaining to the cornea

(COR-nee-al)

Paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye

(sigh-kloh-PLEE-jee-ah)

Inflammation of teh lacrimal (tear) gland

(dak-ree-oh-ad-en-EYE-tis)

Excessive flow of tears 

(dak-ree-oh-REE-ah)

Doulbe vision caused by each eye focusing separately. 

(see ambiopia) 

Eversion (turning outward of the edge of the eylid)

(ek-TROH-pee-on)

A state of normal vision. The eye is at rest and the image is focused directly on the retina. 

(em-eh-TROH-pee-ah)

Inversion (turning inward) of the edge of the eyelid

(en-TROH-pee-on)

Inflammation of the outermost layers of teh sclera

(ep-ih-skleh-RYE-tis) 

An obvious inward turning of one eye in relation to the other eye;

also called crosseyes

(ess-oh-TROH-pee-ah)

An obvious outward turning of one eye in relatino to the other eye;

also called walleye

(eks-oh-TROH-pee-ah)

Pertaining to outside the eye

(eks-trah-OCK-yoo-lar)

The examination of the fundus of the eye, the base or the deepest prat of the eye, with an instrument called an opthalmoscope through a procedure called opthalmoscopy. 

(fund-DOSS-koh-pee)

Loss of visoion, or blindess, in one-half of the visual field 

(hem-ee-ah-NOP-ee-ah)

see hemianopia;

is loss of vision, or blindness in one-half of the visual field 

(hem-ee-ah-NOP-see-ah)

Inflammation of the iris and ciliary body of the eye 

(ir-id-oh-sigh-KLEYE-tis)

Inflammation of the iris

(ih-RYE-tis)

Inflammation of the cornea and the conjunctiva of the eye 

(ker-ah-toh-kon-junk-tih-VYE-tis)

A cone-shaped protrusion of the center of the cornea, not accompanied by inflammation

(ker-ah-toh-KOH-nus)

A fungal growth present on the cornea. 

(ker-ah-toh-my-KOH-sis)

Pertaining to tears

(LAK-rim-al)

A secretion of tears from the lacrimal glands

(lak-rih-MAY-shun)

Abnormal constriction of the pupil of the eye

(my-OH-sis)

An agent that causes teh pupil of the eye to constrict

(my-OT-ik)

Abnormal dilatation of the pupil of the eye

(mid-RYE-ah-sis)

An agent that causes the pupil of the eye to dilate

(mid-ree-AT-ik)

Pertaining to the nose and the lacrimal (tear) ducts

(nay-zoh-LAK-rim-al)

Involuntary, rhythmic jerking movements of the eye. These "quivering" movements may be from side to side, up and down, or a combination of both. 

(niss-TAG-mus)

A medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in the comprehensive care of teh eyes and visual system in teh prevention and treatment of eye disease and injury. The ophthalmologist is the medically trained specialist who can deliver total eye care and diagnose general diseases of teh body affecting the eye. 

(off-thal-MALL-oh-jee)

The branch of medicine that specializes in teh study of the diseases and disorders of the eye. 

(off-thal-MALL-oh-jee)

Any disease of the eye

(off-thal-MOP-ah-thee)

pertainint to teh eye or to sight

(OP-tick)

A health professional (not an M.D.) who specializes in filling prescriptions for corrective lenses for glasses or for contact lenses

(op-TISH-an)

The optometrist, or doctor of optometry (O.D.) is responsible for examination of the eye, and associated structures - to determine vision problems. He or she can also prescribe lenses or optical aide. 

(op-TOM-eh-trist)

Pertaining to the eyelid

(PAL-peh-brahl)

Swelling of the optic disc, visible upon ophthalmoscopic examination of the interior of the eye

(pap-ill-eh-DEE-mah)

Softening of the lens of the eye

(fak-oh-mah-LAY-shee-ah)

Abnormal sensitivity to light, especially by the eyes

(foh-toh-FOH-bee-ah)

Loss of accommodation for near vision; poor near-vision due to the natural aging process

(prez-bee-OH-pee-ah)

Pertaining to the pupil of teh eye

(PEW-pih-lair-ee)

Any disease of the retina

(ret-in-OP-ah-thee)

Excision, or removal, of a portion of the sclera of teh eye

(skleh-REK-toh-mee)

An area of depressed vision (blindness) within the usual visual field, surrounded by an area of normal vision

(skoh-TOH-mah)

Inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye, which includes teh iris, ciliary body, and choroid. 

(yoo-vee-EYE-tis)

Pertaining to teh vitreous body of the eye

(VIT-ree-us)

A refractive error causing light rays entering the eye to be focused irregularly on teh retina due to an abnormally shaped cornea or lens.

(ah-STIG-mah-tizm)

Acutre or chronic inflammation of teh eyelid margins stemming from seborrheic, allergic, or bacterial origin

(blef-ah-RYE-tis)

Blepharoptosis 

(ptosis)

Occurs when the eyelid partially or entirely covers teh eye as a result of a weakened muscle. 

(blef-ah-roh-TOH-sis)

Loss of the sense of sight, or extreme visual limitations

Causes of blindness include trauma, cataracts, glaucoma, nutritional deficiencies, trachoma, and onchocerciasis 

Color Blindness 

(monochromatism) 

an inability to perceive visual colors sharply

Daltonism: sex-linked inherited disorders

Achromatic vision: a defect in the retinal cones or the absence of retinal cones (perceiving only white, gray, and black)

The lens of the eye becomes progressively cloudy, losing its normal transparency and thus altering the perception of images due to the interference of light transmission to the retina. 

Senile: typically begin after the age 50; due to wear and tear

Secondary: result from trauma, radiation, injury, inflmmation, taking certain medicaitons 

Diagnosed through biomicroscopy 

Phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) are the primary ways to remove a cataract 

A cyst or nodule on the eyelid, resulting from an obstruction of a meibomian gland, which is responsible for lubricating the margin of the eyelid. 

(kah-LAY-zee-on)

Inflammation of teh mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering the front part of the eyeball. 

Sometimes due to allergies and the like; other times its infectious

A disruption of the cornea's surface epithelium commonly caused by an eyelash, a small foreign body, contact lenses, or a scratch from a fingernail. 

(COR-nee-al ah-BRAY-zhun)

Occurs as a consequence of long-term or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus in which the tissues of the retina experience scarring due to the following: 

1. Abnormal dilation and constriction of vessels
2. Hemorrahes
3. Microaneurysm
4. Abnormal formation of new vessels causing leakage of blood into the vitreous humor 

In USA, leading cause of blindness

"Turning out" or eversion of the eyelash margins (especially the lower eyelid) from the eyeball, leading to exposure of teh eyelid and eyeball surface and lining. 

Makes tears unable to flow into the tear ducts to keep the eye moist and therefor flow down the face 

The dryness and irritation remain a constant threat to the cornea and the development of permanent damage, corneal ulcers, or severe dry eye. 

(ek-TROH-pee-on)

"Turning in" of the eylash margins (especially the lower margins), resulting in the sensation similar to that of a foreign body in the eye (redness, tearing, burning, and itching). 

Can cause corneal scratches or corneal ulcers 

(en-TROH-pee-on)

An abnormal protrusion of the eyeball(s), usually with the sclera noticeable over the iris; typically due to an expanded volume of the orbital contents. 

Caused by a tumor, edema or hyperthyroidism 

(eks-off-THAL-mee-ah)

Ocular disorders identified as a group due to the increase in intraocular pressure

Caused by a barrier in the normal outflow of aqueous humor or an increased production of aqueous humor. 

Leads to an inhibited blood supply to the optic neurons 

 Chronic open-angle: most common type occurs with a breakdown in the drainage system of the circulation

Acute closed-angle: rapid primary occurrent of increased intraocular pressure in a short time; no flow of aqueous humor allowed 

Secondary: occurs as a complication of another disorder, trauma, or surgery 

(glau-KOH-mah)

is loss of vision, or blindness in one-half of the visual field 

(hem-ee-ah-NOP-ee-ah)

Bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or sebaeous gland originating with redness, swelling, and mild tenderness in the margin of the eyelash. 

(hor-DEE-oh-lum)

A refractive error in which the lens of the eye cannot focus on an image accurately, resulting in impaired close vision that is blurred due to the light rays becing focused behind the retina because the eyeball is shorter than normal. 

aslo called farsightedness 

(high-per-OH-pee-ah)

Hyphema

(hyphemia)

A bleed into teh anterior chamber of the eye, resulting from a postoperative complication or from a blunt eye injury. 

medical emergency 

(high-FEE-mah) 

Corneal inflammation caused by a microorganism, trauma to the eye, a break in the sensory innervation of teh corne, a hypersensitivity reaction, or a tearing defect (may be due to dry eyes or ineffective eyelid closure) 

(kair-ah-TYE-tis)

Progressive deterioration of teh retinal cells in the macula due to aging. Known as senile or age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), this condition is a common and progressive cause of visual deficiency and permanent reading impairment in the adult over 65 years of age.

Can use side vision 

(MACK-yool-ar dee-jen-er-RA-shun)

A refractive error in which the lens of the eye cannot cofus on an image accurately, resulting in impaired distant vision that is blurred due to the light rays becing focused in front of the retina because the eyeball is longer than normal

also called nearsightedness

(my-OH-pee-ah)

Nyctalopia

(night blindness)

Vertical, horizontal, rotary, or mixed rhythmic involuntary movements of the eye(s) caused by use of alcohol or certain drugs, lesions on teh brain or inner ear, congenital abnormalities, nerve injury at birth, or abnormal retinal development. 

may not be apparent to the patient 

A purulent (contains pus) inflammation of the conjunctiva and/or cornea in the newborn. 

Neisseria gonorrheal conjunctivits is spread to the neonate while passing through the birth canal. 

Chlamydial conjunctivits is another type (also passed via the birth canal

(off-THAL-mee-ah nee-oh-nay-TOR-um) 

A refractive error occurring after the age of 40, when teh lens of the eye(s) cannot focus on an image accuratly due to its decreasing loss of elasicity. 

usually results in farsightedness 

(prez-bee-OH-pee-ah)

An irregular growth developing as a fold in teh conjunctiva, usually on the nasal side of the cornea, that can disrupt vision if it extends over the pupil. 

can be caused by allergies and excessive unltraviolet light exposure

(ter-IJ-ee-um)

The partial or complete splitting away of the retina from the pigmented vascular layer called the choroid, interrupting vascular supply to the retina and thus creating a medical emergency 

will cause blindness if untreated

(RET-in-al detachment) 

An opening in the retina that allos leakage of vitreous humor. 

(RET-in-al tear) 

The presence of inflammation in the white, outside covering of the eyeball (the sclera) 

(skleh-RYE-tis)

is a define area in one or both eyes that has a decreased visual function

(skoh-TOH-mah)

Failure of the eyes to gaze in the same direction due to weakness in the muscles controlling the position of one eye.

The most common type is nonparalytic, an inherited defect in which the eye position of the two eyes has no relationship. 

Convergent type (crosseye)

Divergent type (walleye)

(strah-BIZ-mus)

An adhesion in the eye that develops as a complication of trauma or surgery or as a secondary condition of one of the following pathological conditions: cataracts, glaucoma, keratitis, or uveitis. 

causes blockage of flow of aqueous humor between anterior and posterior chambers (left untreated will cause blindness)

(sin-EK-ee-ah)

An infectious eye disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which is chronic and will lead to blindness wihtout effective treatment. 

without treatment, follicles begin to from on the upper eyelid. Blindness will occur (if not treated)

(tray-KOH-mah)

Inflammation of all or part of the middle vascular layer of the eye made up of the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. 

(yoo-vee-EYE-tis) 

Surgical transplantation of a donor cornea (cadaver's) into the eye of a recipient, usually under local anesthesia 

(COR-nee-al)

A group of tests used in evaluating the vestibulo-ocular reflex

The vestibulo-ocular reflex is a normal reflex produced by stimulation of the vestibular apparatus in which eye position compensates for motion of the head. 

(ee-lek-troh-niss-tag-MOG-rah-fee)

A recording of the changes in the electrical potential of the retina after the stimulation of light. 

(ee-lek-troh-RET-ih-noh-gram)

Surgical removal of the anterior segment of the lens capsule along with the lens, allowing for teh insertion of an intraocular lens implant. 

(eks-trah-KAP-syoo-lar)

Application of a fluorescein-stained sterile filter paper strip moistened with a few drops of sterile saline or sterile anesthetic solution to the lower cul-de-sac of teh eye to visualize a corneal abrasion. 

(floo-oh-RESS-ee-in)

is the process of viewing the anterior chamber angle of the ey for evaluation, management, and classification of normal and abnormal angle structures. The examination invovles using a goniprism (mirrored contact lens) and a slit-lamp biomicroscope to observe the anterior chamber of the eye (area between the cornea and the iris). This painless examination is used to determine whether the drainage angle of the eye (area where the fluid drains out of the eye) is open or closed. 

(used to diagnose type of glaucoma) 

(gah-nee-OSS-kah-pee)

Extraction of a small segment of the iris to open an anterior chamber angle and permit  the flow of aqueous humor between the anterior and posterior chambers, thus relieving the person's intraocular pressure. 

Used to treat closed-angle glaucoma 

(ir-id-EK-toh-mee)

The transplantation of corneal tissue from one human eye to another to improve vision in the affected eye;

also called corneal grafting. 

Laser in situ keratomileusis 

(LASIK)

The LASIK procedure is a form of laser vision correction for nearsightedness (myopia). 

(LAY-sick)

The examination of the external and internal structures of the eye with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope

(off-thal-MOSS-koh-pee)

The measurment of the thickness of the cornea. 

a tool used to determine risk for glaucoma

(pah-KIM-eh-tree)

is a method of removing a lens by using ultrasound vibration to split up the lens material into tiny particles that can be suctioned out of the eye. 

(fak-oh-ee-MULL-sih-fih-kay-shun)

is a surgical procedure that uses an argon laser to treat conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy in the following ways: 

The slit-lamp exam is teh examniation of the external and internal structures of the eye, using a low-power microscope combines with a high-intensity light source that can be focused to shine as a slit beam; 

also known as biomicroscopy

used to examine the interior of the eye

The process of determining the intraocular pressure by calculating the resistance of the eyeball to an applied force cuasing indentation. 

screens for high intraocular pressure (IOP) 

(tohn-OM-eh-tree)

The surgical excision of a portion of corneoscleral tissue to decrease the intraocular pressure in persons with severe glaucoma. 

relieves teh pressure of the excess aqueous humor. 

the procedure normally includes removal of teh trabecular meshwork and the canal of Schlemm 

(trah-bek-yool-EK-toh-mee)

The surgical creation of a permanent fistula used to drain fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye's anterior chamber, usually performed under general anesthesia. 

used to treat glaucoma

(trah-BEK-yoo-loh-plass-tee)

Pertaining to sound or hearing 

(ah-KOOS-tik)

A recording of the faintest sounds an individual is able to hear. 

(AW-dee-oh-gram)

Pertaining to the sense of hearing 

(AW-dih-tor-ee)

Pertaining to the ear

(AW-ral)

Pertaining to the ear and the temporal area of the skull. 

(aw-rik-yoo-loh-TEM-poh-ral)

Inflammation or bleeding of the middle ear caused by sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, as in scuba diving or descent of an airplane (especially when one has a cold or an upper respiratory infection). 

(bar-oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah)

Pertaining to a snail-shaped structure within the middle ear

(KOK-lee-ar)

Inflammation of the inner ear. 

(lab-ih-rin-THIGH-tis)

Inflammation of the mastoid process of teh temporal bone; usually an extension of a middle ear infection

(mass-toyd-EYE-tis)

Surgical repair of the eardrum wtih a tissue graft. This procedure is performed to correct hearing loss. 

It is also caleld tympanoplasty. 

(mir-IN-goh-plass-tee)

Surgical incision into the eardrum. This procedure is performed to relieve pressure or release fluid from the middle ear.

It is also called tympanotomy. 

This is usually accompanied by the insertion of a pressure-equalizing tube (PET) into the tympanic membrane to promote drainage of fluid from the middle ear. 

(mir-in-GOT-oh-mee)

Pain in the ear; earache;

also called otodynia

Inflammation of the middle ear

(oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah)

A fungal infection of the external auditory meatus of the ear. 

(oh-toh-my-KOH-sis)

Drainage from the ear; usually associated with inflammation of the ear. 

(oh-toh-REE-ah)

Loss of hearing due to the natural agining process

(prez-bye-KOO-sis)

Containing pus

(PEWR-yoo-lent)

An instrument used to examine the nasopharynx and the eustachian tube

(sal-PING-oh-skohp)

Pertaining to prducing serum

(SEER-us)

Surgical removal of the stapes (middle ear) and insertion of a graft and prosthesis

(stay-pee-DEK-toh-mee)

A ringing or tinkling noise heard in the ears; may be a sign of injury to the ear, some disease process, or toxic levels of some medication from prolonged use (such as aspirin)

(tin-EYE-tus)

myringoplasty

(tim-pan-oh-PLASS-tee)

myringotomy

(tim-pan-OT-oh-mee)

A sensation of spinning around or of having things in the room or area spinning around the person; a result of disturbance of the equilibrium. 

(VER-tih-go)

A slow-growing cycle made up of epithelial cell debris and cholesterol found in the middle ear. 

can be a congenitcal defect or as a result of chronic otis media 

(koh-lee-stee-ah-TOH-mah)

Hearling loss caused by the breakdown of the transmission of sound waves through the middle and/or external ear. 

(kon-DUK-tiv)

Hearing loss caused by the inability of nerve stimuli to be delivered to the brain from the inner ear due to damage to teh auditory nerve or the cochlea or to lesions of the 8th cranial nerve (auditory) 

need to avoid loud noises and medication with ototoxic effects

(sen-soh-ree-NOO-ral)

An excessive accumulation of the waxlike secretions from the glands of the external ear canal. 

can be caused by excessive hair; dry and scaly skin in the ear canal or a narrow ear canal

(seh-ROO-men)

Infection or inflamamtion of the labyrinth or the inner ear - specifically, the three semicircular canals in the inner ear, which are fluid-filled chambers and control balance 

a virus is typically the cause 

(lab-ih-rin-THIGH-tis)

Inflammation of the mastoid process, which is usually an acute expansion of an infection in the middle ear (otitis media) 

(mass-toyd-EYE-tis)

Chronic inner ear disease in which there is an overaccumulaiton of endolymph (fluid in the labyrinth) characterized by recurring episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, feeling of pressure or fullness in teh affected ear, and tinnitus; usually unilateral, but occurs bilaterally in about 10 to 20% of patients. 

(may-nee-ARYZ)

Otitis Externa (OE)

(swimmer's ear) 

Inflammation of the outer or extenrla ear canal; 

This inflammation is produced from the growth of bacteria or fungi in the external ear. 

Can develop due to conditions such as psoriasis or seborrhea, injury to the ear canal when trying to scratch or clean it with a foreign object, and frequent use of earphones or earplugs. 

(oh-TYE-tis eks-TER-nah)

A middle ear infection, which predominately affects infants, toddlers, and preschoolers 

upper respiratory infections are associated with this 

(oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah)

A collection of clear fluid in the middle ear that may follow acute otitis media or be due to an obstruction of the eustachian tube. 

(SEER-us oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah)

A purulent collection of fluid in the middle ear, causing the person to experience pain (possible severe), an elevation in emperature, dizziness, decreased hearing, vertigo, and tinnitus; also called acute otitis media 

(SOO-per-ah-tive oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah)

A condition in which the footplate of the stapes becomes immobile and secured to teh oval window, resulting in a hearing loss. 

(oh-toh-sklair-OH-sis)

Rupture of the tympanic membrane or eardrum

(per-for-AY-shun of the tim-PAN-ik)

The process of measuring how well an individual hears various frequencies of sound waves. 

(aw-dee-OM-eh-tree) 

Tuning Fork Test 

(Rinne Test)

An examination that compares bone conduction and air conduction. 

(RIN-nee test)

Tuning Fork Test 

(Weber Test) 

An examination used to evaluate auditory acuity and to discover whither a hearing deficit is a conductive loss or a sensorineural loss. 

fork is placed on the center of the person's forehead (loudness difference in ears shows problems) 

Removal of a portion of ear cartilage to bring the pinna and auricle nearer the head. 

typically used for cosmetic purposes

(OH-toh-plass-tee)

Microsurgical removal of the stapes diseased by otosclerosis, typically under local anesthesia.

(stay-pee-DEK-toh-mee) 

in-canal style hearing aid: 

least conspicuous

in-ear style hearing aid

advantages: the in-ear style include a greater degree of amplification and toggle switches that allow for usage of the telephone 

"behind-ear style hearing aid

easier to manipulate and care for 

"body hearing aid

used by individuals with profound hearing loss 

A surgical procedure with insertion of a small ventilation tube introduced int othe inferior segment of the tympanic membrane 

provides ventilation and drainage of the middle ear when there is a problem with persistent ear infection not responding to medication 

(mir-in-GOT-oh-mee) 

Myringotomy;

A surgical procedure with insertion of a small ventilation tube introduced int othe inferior segment of the tympanic membrane 

provides ventilation and drainage of the middle ear when there is a problem with persistent ear infection not responding to medication 

(tim-pan-OT-oh-mee)

Surgical repair of teh tympanic membrane with a tissue graft after a spontaneous rupture that results in hearing loss; 

also called tympanoplasty

(mir-IN-goh-plas-tee)

myringoplasty;

Surgical repair of teh tympanic membrane with a tissue graft after a spontaneous rupture that results in hearing loss

(tim-pan-oh-PLASS-tee)