Clear fluid between the cornea and the iris. Protects the lens and nourishes the cornea. Fluid is constantly produced and drained. If the pressure of the aqueous humor is high, glaucoma can develop.
ASTIGMATISM
This is a fuzzy or blurry condition. The cornea is not perfectly shaped which causes light rays to enter the eye unevenly. Most people have some degree of astigmatism. This may be combined with Myopic or Hyperopic conditions, or solely by itself.
CATARACT
A clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye. Typically surgery is only considered when the cataracts causes enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities.
CONJUNCTIVA
Thin, transparent membrane lining the white part of the eye. Conjuncitvitis or "pink eye" is when this membrane is inflamed.
CORNEA
Clear, dome shaped window covering the front of the eye that is over the iris and pupil. This is where laser vision correction is done.
EXTRAOCULAR MUSCLES
Eye muscles that make the eyeball move.
EYELASHES
Protect the eyes from dust and other foreign bodies. New lashes are continually growing.
EYELIDS
Two folds of skin that protect the eyes. Contain glands that create normal tears.
FARSIGHTED/HYPEROPIC
People who are farsighted are hyperopic. Distance vision is usually sharp but the near vision is not good. This is due to a shorter than normal shape of the eye.
FOVEA
Focal point of the retina, in the center of the macula, which contains only cones for sharp vision.
GLAUCOMA
A disease of the optic nerve caused by fluid pressure within the eye. If left untreated, blindness can result. Ask Dr. Bende if you are at risk for developing glaucoma.
IRIS
Colored part of the eye that lies behind the cornea and surrounds the pupil. The iris is actually a muscle that contracts to make the pupil smaller, and relaxes to make the pupil larger.
LENS
Lies right behind the pupil. The lens 'bends' light so that it can sharply focus on the retina.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
A deterioration or breakdown of the macula (small area in the retina that we use for central vision). When the macula does not function properly, central vision can be affected. Nutritional supplements may decrease the progression of macular degeneration, however, there has been no treatment that has been uniformly effective.
NEARSIGHTED/MYOPIC
This means you have difficulty with distance vision, but you have sight at near. This is due to the elongation of the eye during growth/development.
PRESBYOPIA
This is the "40+Club!. Presbyopia is due to the internal aging of the "lens" inside your eye. The ability to read items at a normal reading distance gradually diminishes and we need "help", usually by "reader cheaters", bifocal or progressive lenses or by wearing monovision or bifocal contact lenses.
PUPIL
The dark circle in the center of your eye. This is actually a hole, that your eye doctor looks through to see the back of your eye.
RETINA
Thin layer in the inside back part of the eye which contains the rods and cones.
VITREOUS HUMOR
Clear, jelly-like substance between the lens and the retina. This jelly-like substance keeps the retina in place and maintains the round shape of the eyeball.
