Eye Health
IRIS
Pigmented tissue lying behind cornea that (1) gives color to the eye, and (2) controls amount of light entering the eye by varying size of black pupillary opening; separates the anterior chamber from the posterior chamber.
LENS
Natural lens of eye; transparent intraocular tissue that helps bring rays of light to focus on the retina.
RETINA
Part of the eye that converts what we see into electrical impulses sent along the optic nerve for transmission back to the brain. Consists ofmany named layers that include rods and cones.
MACULA
Small, specialized central area of the retina responsible for the sharpest central vision.
VITREOUS
Transparent, colorless, gelatinous filling; in the rear two-thirds of the interior of the eyeball, between the lens and the retina.
OPTIC NERVE
Largest sensory nerve of the eye; carries impulses for sight from retina to brain.
SCLERA
The white of the eye; a protective fibrous layer that is the outer covering of the eyeball except for the part that is the cornea.
CILIARY BODY
A muscular ring under the surface of the eyeball; helps the eye focus by changing the len’s shape and also produces aqueous humor.
CHOROID
The vascular layer between the sclera and the retina; the blood vessels in the choroid help provide oxygen and nutrients to the eye.
Pigmented tissue lying behind cornea that (1) gives color to the eye, and (2) controls amount of light entering the eye by varying size of black pupillary opening; separates the anterior chamber from the posterior chamber.
LENS
Natural lens of eye; transparent intraocular tissue that helps bring rays of light to focus on the retina.
RETINA
Part of the eye that converts what we see into electrical impulses sent along the optic nerve for transmission back to the brain. Consists ofmany named layers that include rods and cones.
MACULA
Small, specialized central area of the retina responsible for the sharpest central vision.
VITREOUS
Transparent, colorless, gelatinous filling; in the rear two-thirds of the interior of the eyeball, between the lens and the retina.
OPTIC NERVE
Largest sensory nerve of the eye; carries impulses for sight from retina to brain.
SCLERA
The white of the eye; a protective fibrous layer that is the outer covering of the eyeball except for the part that is the cornea.
CILIARY BODY
A muscular ring under the surface of the eyeball; helps the eye focus by changing the len’s shape and also produces aqueous humor.
CHOROID
The vascular layer between the sclera and the retina; the blood vessels in the choroid help provide oxygen and nutrients to the eye.
CHRONIC DRY EYE DISEASE
If you find yourself using artificial tears often, like when you’re checking e-mail or going outdoors for a run, it may mean you have a disease called Chronic Dry Eye. Chronic Dry Eye is sometimes called dry eye disease or dry eye syndrome. It is also known by the medical name keratoconjunctivitis sicca (pronounced “carrot-oh-con-junk-tiv-it-is seek-a”). But the important thing to remember is that Chronic Dry Eye is a disease and that there is medical treatment available. |
Chronic Dry Eye is a chronic disease that can be caused by advanced age, contact lens wear, certain medications, eye diseases, other medical conditions, or environmental factors. LEARN MORE.
CATARACT
A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. It interferes with light passing through the eye to the retina. Aging and other factors cause proteins in the eye’s lens to clump together forming these cloudy areas. Those with cataract commonly experience difficulty appreciating colors and changes in contrast, driving, reading, recognizing faces, and experience problems coping with glare from bright lights. |
MACULAR DEGENERATION
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision, and causes trouble discerning colors. You need central vision to see objects clearly and to do tasks such as reading and driving. Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect macular degeneration before the disease causes vision loss. Treatment can slow vision loss. It does not restore vision. |
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision. As glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye. They seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains. |
CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye) is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids). It is most commonly due to an infection (usually viral, but sometimes bacterial) or an allergic reaction. Red eye, swelling of conjunctiva and watering of the eye are symptoms common to all forms of conjunctivitis. |