Glossary of Terms

Cataract

A cloudy lens that obstructs the light's path to the retina.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Swelling of the most sensitive part of the retina caused by diabetes.

Diabetic Retinaopathy

Disease of the retina caused by diabetes.

Glaucoma

High pressure in the eye that may cause ocular damage (vision loss).

Infusion line

A surgical instrument used to keep the desired pressure and volume of the eye during surgery.

Hemorrhage

Blood.

Intraocular lens

Artificial lens used with cataract (cloudy lens) removal.

(Intra) ocular

Inside the eye.

Iris

The colored part of the eye whose center is the pupil through which light passes.

Laser photocoagulation

Light threatment of the retina.

Lens

The usually clear tissue behind the iris that focuses light onto the retina.

Macular hole

A hole in the central and most sensitive part of the retina.

Membrane, pre- or sub-retinal

Scar tissue in front of, or under the retina.

Pars plana

The circular anatomical area just behind the iris.

Retinal detachment

Separation of the retina from its normal position.

Silicone Oil

A nontoxic clear medical grade sterile viscous oil used as a vitreous substitute.

Vitrectomy

Surgical removal of the vitreous gel in the back part of the eye.

Vitreous

The clear gel behind the lens and in front of the retina.