Eye terms,
explained.

A condition affecting the macula, the part of the retina used for detailed central vision. Dry and wet AMD have different features and treatment options.

VEGF is a protein involved in abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. Anti-VEGF treatment blocks its action. Some treatments also block angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), another protein involved in vessel stability.

A studied combination of vitamins and minerals that may be recommended for particular stages of AMD. They do not suit everyone and do not restore lost vision.

Astigmatism is a focusing difference, often caused by an uneven curve of the cornea. A toric lens implant can correct corneal astigmatism; toric describes that correction, not how many distances the lens focuses at.

Clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. Surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens.

Damage to the retinal blood vessels related to diabetes. It may cause bleeding, poor circulation, abnormal new vessels or swelling of the macula. Treatment depends on the changes present.

The clear front surface of the eye. It helps focus light and is different from the lens inside the eye.

Drops that widen the pupil so the inside of the eye can be examined. They can cause temporary blur and light sensitivity.

A thin sheet of tissue on the retinal surface that may wrinkle the macula and distort central vision. Some can be monitored; others may benefit from surgery.

Areas of loss of cells in the central retina and its supporting layer, associated with advanced dry AMD. The location and growth of these areas matter when considering treatment.

A group of conditions causing damage to the optic nerve, often associated with raised eye pressure. Pressure alone does not determine the diagnosis.

An injection of medicine into the vitreous cavity, the gel-filled space inside the eye. It delivers treatment for conditions affecting the retina without injecting directly into the retina.

An artificial lens implanted inside the eye, commonly during cataract surgery. The planned focus and lens design affect the likely need for glasses.

The macula is the central part of the retina used for detail such as reading and recognising faces. The fovea is the small area at its centre with the sharpest vision.

Swelling of the macula caused by fluid within the retina. It has several causes, so the treatment depends on the diagnosis.

A full-thickness opening in the central retina. It is different from a peripheral retinal tear and may require surgery to improve or preserve central vision.

Monofocal lenses focus mainly at one distance. Enhanced monofocal lenses may add intermediate range. Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses extend the range of focus. Multifocal and trifocal lenses provide more than one focus. Each has benefits and trade-offs.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses light to produce cross-sectional retinal images. OCT angiography uses this technology to map blood flow without injected dye.

Treatment combining a light-sensitive medicine with a specific laser. It is used for selected conditions and is different from routine retinal laser.

Surgery to remove vitreous gel through small openings in the white of the eye. It allows treatment of retinal problems or removal of selected troublesome vitreous opacities (floaters).

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. A tear is a break in it. A detachment means the retina has separated from the supporting tissue beneath it.

RVO means blockage of a retinal vein. Ischaemia means reduced blood supply. A vein occlusion can cause bleeding, swelling and areas with poor circulation.

A small device that releases anti-inflammatory medicine inside the eye over time. It is used in selected conditions and needs monitoring, including for pressure and cataract changes.

A treatment plan in which the eye is treated and the next interval is adjusted according to disease activity and response.

Laser vitreolysis is laser treatment for selected floaters. Vitreomacular traction (VMT) is a different problem: pulling by vitreous gel on the macula. The terms are not interchangeable.

The clear gel inside the eye, between the lens and retina. Changes in this gel can cause floaters or pulling on the retina.

A YAG capsulotomy treats a cloudy capsule behind a lens implant after cataract surgery. YAG vitreolysis treats selected floaters. These are different procedures.