Eye Terms

Sometimes ophthalmology terminology is very hard to understand, that’s why on this page you will find complicated eye terms explained in simple words.

 

20/20 vision is a term that indicates normal vision acuity that is measured at 20 feet distance. If your vision is 20/20 it means that you can clearly see the objects that should be normally seen from the distance of 20 feet. If your vision is 20/40 it means that from the distance of 20 feet you can see objects that a person with normal vision will see from 40 feet.

 

Accommodation (of the eye) is a process when the eye is changing its optical power to maintain a clear image of a given object as the distance to this object varies. To see the image clearly (to focus on the object) the eye changes the curvature of the lens using ciliary muscle:

Check the article “The Eye: How We See?” to learn more about human vision process.

 

Contraindication is a certain condition which makes a particular procedure or treatment inadvisable. Contraindications are divided into absolute and relative. Absolute contraindications make certain procedure or treatment absolutely inadvisable, relative contraindications make it somewhat inadvisable but still possible.

 

“Dry eye” syndrome (also known as “keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)”) is an eye disease in which the quantity of tears that are produced by the eye is not enough to lubricate the front surface of it or there is increased tears evaporation. Tears are necessary for providing clear vision and maintaining eye health.

 

LASIK (acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive eye surgery that is done to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Learn more about it in the LASIK blog article “What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?”

 

Pachymeter is a medical instrument which is used to measure the thickness of the cornea.