Eye Conditions

Medical DescriptionsGlossaries

Functional and Educational Considerations

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SECTION VIII - EYE CONDITIONS

Introduction 3

Eye Conditions 4

Achromatopsia 4 Albinism 4 Amblyopia Ex Anopsia (Lazy Eye) 4 - 5 Aniridia 5 Cataract 5 Chorioretinitis 6 Coloboma of Choroid, Iris, Retina,Optic Nerve, Optic Disk 6Corneal Scarring 6 - 7Detached Retina 7Diabetic Retinopathy 7 - 8Dislocation of Lens 8Glaucoma 8 Histoplasmosis 8 - 9Hyperopia 9Keratoconus 9Leber's Congenital Amaurosis 9 -10Macular Degeneration 10Marfan's Syndrome 10Myopia 10 - 11Nystagmus 11Optic Atrophy 11 - 12Retinitis Pigmentosa 12Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP 12

Parts of the Eye 13 - 14Glossary of Eye Terms 14 – 19Eye Report Terms 19 - 20

Cortical Visual Impairment 20

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INTRODUCTION

The Eye Conditions Section can serve as a guide to assist the teacher in understanding the medical aspects of an eye condition and the educational implications of that condition.

Knowing a student's eye condition, its medical description and the reported visual acuity will not necessarily indicate how the student will function visually in various settings.

A student's visual functioning can vary depending on several factors including:eye conditionseverity of conditionstability of conditiononset of condition (pre-, para-, or post natal)

A student's visual functioning may be affected in these ways:reduced visual acuity (near and/or distant)restricted field of vision (peripheral or central)defective color visionfixation problems (inability to focus on an object)

The teacher can assess a student's visual functioning by utilizing:informal assessmentspersonal observations parent information student informationformal assessmentseye specialist report V medical report V/formalized assessment tests

Topics on the following pages include:Eye ConditionsDiagram of the EyeParts of the EyeTerms Relating to the EyeEye Report Terms

EYE CONDITIONS

The following is a partial listing of eye conditions most commonly appearing in school-age children.

Each listing includes:name of conditiondefinitionfunctional characteristicseducational implications

Achromatopsia: Malformation of the cones and rods

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Congenital or hereditaryNonprogressiveDecreased visual acuityDefective color visionNormal visual fieldsNystagmusSensitive to light; dim illumination preferredNear vision better than distant visionLow vision aid may be prescribedSunglasses, shields, visors, tinted lenses for light sensitivityYellow acetate over print to improve contrastCut out window to expose only one word at a time to improve fixationBlack felt pen for marking and writing

Albinism: Lack of pigment; inability of the body to produce pigment; may involve all pigmented structures (complete) resulting in fair complexion, platinum blonde hair and light-colored eyebrows; may be incomplete and involve only certain structures such as the eye (ocular albinism)

Congenital or hereditaryNonprogressiveDecreased visual acuity

Visual fields usually normalNystagmusNeat-sighted or farsightedSensitive to light; dim illumination preferredContact lenses often prescribedAcuity often improved with glassesSunglasses, shields, visors, tinted lenses for light sensitivityYellow acetate over print to improve contrastBlack felt pen for marking and writingLarge print materials may be requiredProblems in self-concept (especially in adolescence and among black children) because of albinismGlare from all surfaces avoided (windows, chalkboards, desks, papers)

Amblyopia Ex Anopsia (Lazy Eye): Focusing of visual images upon the retina is suppressed.

AdventitiousProgressiveCentral field lossDecreased visual acuityAverage light preferredDepth perception problemsExercise of such an eye before the seventh year (unaffected eye occluded) frequently will improve the

visual acuityDouble vision when eye is not patchedTemporary adjustments during patching (the child may function as a visually impaired student and be

eligible for special services as long as the patching continues)

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Black felt pen for writing and markingYellow acetate over print to improve contrast

Aniridia: Failure of the iris to develop fully

Congenital or hereditaryProgressiveDecreased visual acuityUsually bilateralNystagmusExtreme light sensitivity; average or dim illumination preferredFurther complication with glaucoma, resulting in restricted fields and cloudiness of the corneaAssociated defects: cataracts, displaced lens, and underdevelopment of the retinaMay indicate presence of Wilm's tumor in children under two years oldIf glaucoma, restricted fields; pain from pressureMedication may be prescribedPhysical activity ma y be restricted; consult student's physician

Cataract: Any opacification (cloudiness) of the lens

Congenital or adventitiousProgressive or nonprogressiveVisual fields usually normalNystagmus in severe casesBlurred visionVariable vision due to size, position, and density of opacityCentral or posterior cataracts - sensitivity to bright lightCortical cataracts - poor color discriminationSurgery may be necessary in cases of severe visual impairmentRemoval of congenital cataracts often results in formation of secondary cataracts; improved surgical techniques result in fewer complicationsAfter surgery, need aphakic correction (usually contact lens; experience greater sensitivity

to glare)Average or dim lightMedication may be prescribedPhysical activity may be restricted; consult student's physicianMagnification of materials and/or large printStand magnifiers or hand-held magnifiersBlack felt pen for marking and writingSpecial lens prescribed for glasses (e.g., one for reading, another for travel)Good contrast in books and on board (white chalk on blackboard, rather than a green board)Glare from all surfaces avoided (windows, chalkboards, desks, papers)Sunglasses, shield, visors for light sensitivityExpose only one word at a time to improve fixation while reading

Chorioretinitis: Inflammation of the retina and choroid causing seepage from the blood vessels to accumulate on the retina and sometimes the cornea.

Adventitious

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Progressive or nonprogressivePeripheral or central field lossLoss of vision as areas of the retina are damaged by the infectionGradual blurring of visionEye may appear redSensitive to lightPeripheral field loss; may have trouble traveling in crowded hallway or playgroundMagnification of materials and/or large printDamage in central part of retinaMedication may be prescribedIndependent travel training (Orientation and Mobility) may be necessaryGlasses may or may not be beneficial

Coloboma of choroid, iris, retina, optic nerve, or optic disk: Usually absence of the choroid in the lower part of the eye and a keyhole-shaped pupil rather than the normal round opening.

Congenital or hereditaryNonprogressivePeripheral field lossVariable central acuityIris, choroid, or other parts of the eye may be effectedVisual acuity ranges from near normal to very poor, depending on the number of structures involvedBlind spot enlargedVisual field defectAverage or bright lightGlasses and/or hand-held magnifiersCentral vision allows use of monocular lens for distance; distant vision training may be

needed.Large print or brailleDepth perception may be affected, especially in lower fields, causing problems in physical educationTyping will ease writing problemsBook stands may aid in reading materialsMarkers, dark-lined paper, instruction on using margins (folding paper for columns, lattice form for math

problems, one-half sheets for spelling tests) may be necessaryTaped lessons alternated with reading activities

Corneal Scarring: Scarring of the cornea due to trauma, infection, or corrosives.

AdventitiousNonprogressiveAstigmatism Keratoplasty (corneal graft) may be beneficialPostinfectious scars may clear spontaneously with timeBright or average lightContact lenses may improve visionGlasses may be prescribedStandard print, large print, magnification, or braille depending on scars presentUnusual head positions may be required for reading

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Detached Retina: Separation of the retina and the choroid layer; separation breaks connections between cones and rods and the pigment layer; pathological myopia and accumulation of fluid under the retina are major causes.

AdventitiousProgressive and nonprogressiveVarying visual field lossesHole or tear in retina probableSurgery required immediately in most casesSurgery may or may not restore vision depending upon etiology of detachment, treatment methods, and

duration of a successful resultSurgery may accelerate cataract changesNear vision often corrected earlier than distant vision following surgeryRecovery often slow and requires months to reach best level of improvementChildren frequently recover good visual acuityDouble vision may follow surgeryPeriodic eye exams are importantCorrection may be prescribed (may change two to three times during first six months after surgery)Warning signs:Flash of light in the side vision Multiple spots and particles floating in the space in front of vision Color vision impaired Mycropsia objects appear smaller

Persons who have predisposition to detached retina may consider avoiding contact sports and other sports (danger of blows to head and eyes); consult with student's physician

Unusual head positions may be required for reading,Magnification and/or large print

Diabetic Retinopathy: Changes in the blood vessels of the retina causing hemorrhaging

AdventitiousProgressiveCentral field lossColor vision lossVariable visual field lossVariable acuityRetinal detachment may occurBright or average light preferredPossible sudden loss of VisionGlaucoma may developClip-on high power loupe (special lens) may be usefulStand magnifiers and hand-held magnifiersBinocular half-eye prism glasses for background retinopathyMedication may be prescribedPhysical activity may be restricted; consult student's physician

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Dislocation of Lens: Displacement of the lens; usually associated with trauma or with certain hereditary syndromes such as Marfan's syndrome

Congenital or hereditaryNonprogressiveAverage or dim light preferredVisual impairment may be corrected by dilating the pupils; enables student to look around the dislocated

lensAphakic glasses (often prescribed after cataract surgery)Dislocated lens may be removedMyopic correction may be prescribedMagnification of materialsLarge print may be beneficialMedication may be prescribedPhysical activity may be restricted; consult student's physician

Glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure of the eye; types of glaucoma: primary, congenital, or secondary glaucoma

Congenital or adventitiousProgressive or nonprogressivePeripheral field lossDefective night visionDecreased visual acuityBright, average, or dim lightSurgical procedures and drugs used to control pressureAnxiety over ocular pressure (''is it up again?" "Did you forget your drops?") contributes to difficult emotional adjustments in childrenLarge print or brailleBlack felt pen for marking or writingLong reading sessions should be avoided (intersperse activities which do not require close work)Glare from all surfaces avoided (windows, chalkboards, desks, papers)Sunglasses, shields, visors for light sensitivityVariable acuity; may require variety of materials and tasksDark lined paper

Histoplasmosis: Infection due to a yeast-like fungus organism; caused by inhalation or ingestion of spores of the organism (found in soil or dried excrement of animals)Congenital or adventitious

NonprogressiveColor vision lossScattered areas of inflammation (lesions) in the back of eyeMacular area infection; greatly reduced visual acuity and central visual areaSquint may developTelescopes/microscopes may be beneficialOrientation and Mobility training may be necessary

Hyperopia: Farsightedness

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Congenital or adventitiousProgressive or nonprogressiveVisual acuity lossAccommodation (ability to focus) presents problems; may attempt to correct by bringing objects close to

the face, thus appearing to be very nearsightedGlasses may be prescribedFatigue and other complaints of eyestrain (headache, dimness of vision) may be common,Long reading sessions should be avoided (intersperse activities which do not require close work)Black felt pen for marking or wr7tingAuditory exercises - tapes, readersConcrete -manipulation of objects in tasks rather than close Paper workPrint size and focal length determined by student's needsDark-lined paper

Keratoconus: Cone-shaped deformity of the cornea; other complications include retinitis pigmentosa, Down's syndrome, Marfan's syndrome, Aniridia

Congenital or hereditaryProgressiveVariable visual acuity'sEvident in teen yearsBilateral with high astigmatismProgressive decrease in visual acuityOverall blurring of entire field without field lossDistant vision distortedCorneal transplants may be successful in severe casesDifficulty in seeing distant objectsContact lens correction preferable (soft lenses with over refraction for high cylindrical corrections)New prescription every six months to a year during progression of diseaseDistance glass or aidHigh-plus reading spectaclePhysical activity may be restricted; consult student's physician

Leber's Congenital Amaurosis: Degeneration of the macula

Congenital or hereditaryProqressiveAbnormal cornea and cataracts often presentPoor visual acuityExcessive rubbing of the eyes is a characteristic behavior (produces the sensation of light

in front of the eyes)Vision stimulation activities may be beneficialBraille materials

Macular Degeneration: Degeneration of the central part of the retina

Juvenile: Congenital or hereditary; progressiveSenile: Adventitious; progressive or nonprogressive

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Central field lossColor vision lossAverage or dim lightBifocals may be prescribedMonocular telescopesSunglasses, shields, visors for light sensitivitySmall desk lights for high illuminationClosed circuit television (Apollo, Visualtek, Pelco) can be helpfulLarge print may be necessaryHand-held magnifiersUnusual head positions may be required for reading

Marfan's Syndrome: Condition characterized by abnormally long and slender fingers, toes, and other bones of the body; congenital heart disease, general muscular underdevelopment, high arched palate, decrease in subcutaneous fat, and prominent ears may occur

Congenital or hereditaryNonprogressive or progressiveDislocated lensGeneral blurring of vision and double visionPoor distant acuityInability to focus on visual detailsAverage or dim lightMobility may be hampered by the physical condition; orientation and mobility may be beneficialReading glassesPhysical activity may be restricted; consult student's physicianMedication may be prescribedExperimentation may be necessary in order to find the best working positionFrequent school absence due to the many associated problems; support and understanding required

Myopia: Nearsightedness

Congenital or adventitiousProgressive or nonprogressivePeripheral field lossCentral field lossNight vision lossProblems with distant vision in classroom and gymGlasses may be prescribedGlasses may be thick (encourage student to wear them)TelescopesStudent may be given master copy for board workStudent may be seated close for board workReader assistance may be necessaryConcrete materials and tactile maps used as often as possibleDesk easels for positioning books and papersGood contrast in books and on board (white chalk on blackboard rather than green board)Verbal cues are important

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Participation in sports and some games may be restricted (possibility of detached retina in a severely myopic student); consult student's physician

Nystagmus: Involuntary movement of the eyes

Congenital or hereditaryNonprogressiveStress may affect acuity and rapidity of eye movementsEye fatigue may occur by the end of the dayRegular print or large printMagnifiers may not always be helpfulMaterials with few distractions on the page and good, clean printLine markers/rulers to help keep placeExpose only one word at a time to improve fixation while readingGood comprehension and language skills aid in anticipating what is coming in the sentence, even if word

skipping occursReversal problems; discrimination exercises will help teach patternsHandwriting may be a problem; the student should learn to typeCopying should be minimized whenever possibleShort assignments to prevent stressDirections and special words should be underlinedLong reading sessions should be avoided (intersperse activities which do not require close

work)

Optic Atrophy: Degeneration of the nerve tissue which carries messages from the retina to the brain

Congenital or adventitiousProgressive or nonprogressivePeripheral field lossCentral field lossNight vision lossBright or average lightMagnificationLarge print or braillePhysical activity may be restricted; consult student's physicianGlare from all surfaces should be avoided (windows, chalkboards, desks, papers)Good contrast in books and on board (white chalk on blackboard rather than green board)Magnifiers may be helpful if central vision is presentGlasses may-be prescribedLong reading sessions should be avoided (intersperse activities which do not require close work)Dark-lined paperBlack felt pen for marking and writing

Retinitis Pigmentosa: Migration of pigment into the retina causing loss of visual acuity

Congenital or hereditaryProgressiveBilateral

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Night vision lossConstriction of peripheral fieldsBlurred vision0ptic atrophyNight blindness is the first symptomGood lighting; needs high illuminationBlack felt pen for marking or writingDark lined paperYellow acetate over print to improve contrastReader assistance for board workStudent may appear to be looking at things sideways; central vision and vision on one side may be goneClosed circuit television and magnifiers for student with good central visionLarge print or braille

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Mass of scar tissue that forms in the back of the lens; resulting from excessive oxygen given to a premature infant

AdventitiousNonprogressivePeripheral field lossCentral field lossAverage or bright lightMyopia, strabismus, and/or nystagmus may be presentEyes may be enucleated (surgically removed) and prostheses insertedPerceptual problems may be presentOrientation and Mobility training may be necessaryMotor skills may be poorGlasses may be prescribedTelescope and closed circuit television may be helpful

Toxoplasmosis: Severe intraocular infection caused by the presence of toxoplasma gondu organisms; transmitted through the feces of domestic animals such as cats or birds or ingestion of raw meat containing organism

Congenital or adventitiousProgressive or nonprogresiveGenerally not progressive but new lesions may developField defectsDecreased visual acuityLesions correspond to blind areas in visual fieldUsually affects the central nervous system and eyesMay cause severe brain damageOcular involvement more common with-congenital cases Affected eye may squint (turning in or out of an eye) Microscopes for near vision Telescopes for distant viewing Periodic exams recommended

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Note: Persons who have predisposition to

detached retina may consider avoiding

contact sports and other sports (danger of blows to head and eyes); consult with student's physician

Parts of the Eye

Anterior Chamber: Space in front portion of the eye between the cornea and iris filled with aqueous humor

Aqueous Humor: Clear, watery fluid which fills the anterior and posterior chambers within the front part of the eye

Bulbar Conjunctiva: Part of the conjunctiva covering the anterior surface f the eyeballCanal of Schlemm: Circular canal situated at the juncture of the sclera and cornea through which the

aqueous humor is excreted after it has circulated between the lens, the iris, and the corneaCanthus: The inner and outer corners of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meetChoroid: The vascular, intermediate layer which furnishes nourishment to the other parts of the eye,

especially the irisCilia: EyelashesCiliary Body: A ring of tissue between the iris and the choroid consisting of muscles and blood vessels

that changes the shape of the lens and manufactures aqueous humorCones: Short sensory receptors in the retina that function in color visionConjunctiva Mucous: membrane which lines the eyelids and covers the front part of the eyeballCornea: The curved transparent covering on the front of the eye; a refractive surface through which light

entersCrystalline Lens: A transparent, colorless body suspended in the eyeball, between the aqueous humor

and the vitreous humor, which brings the rays of light to focus on the retinaExtrinsic Muscles: The six external muscles which cause movement of each eye up, down, sideways, and

around Fovea: A small depressed area of the retina composed of cones and responsible for central vision and

color vision; the most light sensitive part of the eyeFundus: The back of the eye which can be seen with an opthalmoscopeIris: Colored circular membrane suspended behind the cornea and immediately in front of the lens;

regulates the amount of light entering the eye by changing the size of the pupil Lacrimal Gland: Gland located just above the outer corner of each eye that secretes tears Lacrimal Sac: The upper end of the lacrimal duct Limbus Boundary between the cornea and the sclera Macula Lutea: Rodfree area of the retina that surrounds the fovea and is responsible for clearest central

vision Optic Disk: Head of the optic nerve; formed by the meeting of all retinal nerve fibers at the

retina Optic Nerve: The nerve which carries messages from the retina to the brain Posterior Chambers: Space between the back of the iris and the front of the crystalline lens; filled with

aqueous humor Pterygium: A triangular fold of growing membrane which may extend toward the cornea on the white of

the eye; occurs most frequently in persons exposed to dust or wind Pupil: The opening in the center of the iris which appears as a black dot and through which light enters

the eye Retina: Inner transparent membrane of light-sensitive nerve tissue connected with the brain through the

optic nerve; receives images and sends them to the brain Rods: Light-sensitive nerve endings at the edge of the retina responsive to faint light; used in travel

vision. Sclera: The white opaque fibrous outer covering of the eye Uvea: The layer of the eye consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid

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Vitreous Humor: Transparent colorless mass of soft gelatinous material filling the globe of the eye between the lens and the retina

Zonule: The numerous fine tissue strands which hold the lens in place

Glossary of Eye Terms

Accommodation: The adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances; accomplished by changing the shape of the crystalline lens through action of the ciliary muscle, thus focusing a clear imageon the retina

Adventitious: Acquired after birthAmblyopia (Lazy Eye: Blurred vision due to disuse of the eye; no organic defect present; usually

uncorrectable after age sevenAmetropia: Refractive error, such as myopia and astigmatism, in which the eye at rest does not focus the

image upon the retinaAniseikonia: A condition in which the image seen by one eye differs in size or shape from that seen by

the otherAnisometropia: Difference in refractive error of the eyes, e.g. one eye farsighted and the other

nearsightedAnophthalmos: Absence of a true eyeballAphakia: Absence of the lens of the eyeApplanation Tonometer: Freestanding instrument which measures intraocular pressure by brief contact

with the cornea; does not require indentation of the corneaAsthenopia: Eye fatigue caused by tiring of the internal and external musclesAstigmatism: Defect of the curvature of the cornea or lens resulting in a distorted image; light rays cannot

focus on a single point of the retinaAtropine: Drug which dilates pupil, increases frequency of heart's action, and inhibits sweating and

salivationBinocular Vision: Coordinated use of the eyes to focus on one object and to fuse the two images into oneBlepharitis: inflammation of the eyelidsBlind Spot: Technically, the point in the retina where the optic nerve enters and is insensitive to lightBuphthalmos: Large eyeball in infantile glaucomaCentral Visual Field: Portion of the visual field seen without moving the head or eyesChalazion: Inflammatory enlargement of a gland in the eyelid due to retention of its secretionChoked Disk: Non-inflammatory swelling of the optic nerve headChorioretinitis: Inflammation of the choroid and retinaChoroidcremia: Absence of the choroid, the thin, dark-brown, vascular coat of the eye between the sclera

and the retinaChoroiditis: Inflammation of the choroidColor Blindness: Diminished ability to perceive differences in colorConcave Lens: Lens having the power to diverge rays of light; also known as diverging, reducing,

negative, myopia, or minus lens; denoted by the sign (-)Cones: Layer of the retina which acts as light-receiving media; cones are important for visual acuity and

color discriminationCongenitaI: Present at birthConjunctivitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering the inside of the

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EyeContact Lens: Thin shell of plastic which rests directly on the tear film of the cornea and corrects

refractive errors or acts as a bandage releasing medicationConvergence: Turning of the two eyes inward toward the nose at the same time to see a nearby objectConvex Lens: Lens having the power to converge rays of light and bring them to a focus; also known as

converging, magnifying, hyperopic, or plus lens; denoted by the sign (+)Corneal Graft: Graft Operation to restore vision by replacing a section of opaque cornea with transparent

corneaCover Test: Test covering one eye with an opaque object to determine the presence and degree of

deviation of the eyes from normal positionCyclitis: Inflammation of the ciliary bodyCylindrical Lens: Lens used in the correction of astigmatismDacryocystitis: Inflammation of the lacrimal sacDark Adaptation: The ability of the retina and pupil to adjust to a dim lightDegeneration: Tissue change which lessens the ability to perform a functionDepth Perception: The ability to perceive the solidity of objects and their relative position in spaceDiopter: Metric unit used to denote the strength of the eye or lens; indicated by the sign of a triangleDiplopia: Double visionDistant Vision: Ability to distinctly perceive objects at a distance, usually 20 feet or greaterDivergence: Turning outward of both eyes at the same timeEctropion: Turning inside out of the eyelidEdema: Abnormal and excessive accumulation of fluid in the spaces between tissue cellsElectroretinogram: A graphic record of electrical activity of the retina; used for the diagnosis of retinal

DiseaseEmmetropia: Normal refractive state with images focused on the retinaEndophthalmitis: Inflammation of most of the internal structures of the eyeEsotropic: A turning inward of the eyelid"E" Test: A system of testing the visual acuity of nonreadersExenteration: Removal of the entire contents of the orbit, including the eyeball and lidsExophoria A tendency of the eyes to turn outwardExophthalmos: Abnormal protrusion of the eyeballExtropia: Obvious outward turning of one or both eyesExudates: Fluid or cells which escape from diseased blood vesselsEye Dominance: Tendency of one eye to assume the major function of seeing Far Sightedness: A refractive error in which the focal point for light rays is behind the-retina (hyperopia, hypermetropia); the ability to see objects at a great distance Field of Vision: The entire area which can be seen without shifting the gaze Fixation: Directing the eye to an object so that its image, in the normal eye, centers on the fovea Floaters: Small dark particles in the vitreous humor

Fluorescein Angiography: Photography of the ocular fundus after the injection of fluorescein dye into The bloodstream

Focus: The point at which light rays meet after passing through the lenses; in normal eyes this point is onthe fovea of the retina

Fusion: The coordination of the separate images in the two eyes into a single mental image Genetics: The study of the traits and variation of organisms and how they determine the constitution of

an individual Glioma: Malignant tumor of the retina

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Gonioscope: A magnifying device used to examine the angle of the anterior chamber Hemianopsia: Loss of half the peripheral field of vision appearing in, or characteristic of, successive

generations; individual differences in human beings passed from parent to offspringHerpes Simplex Keratitis: Cold sores on the cornea which cause scarring and decrease vision Heterophoria: Constant tendency of the eyes to deviate from the normal position Heterotropia: An obvious deviation of the alignment of the eyes; crossed eyes, strabismusHippus: Spontaneous rhythmic movements of the iris; iridokinesiaHyperopia: Farsightedness; a condition in which visual images come to a focus behind the retina of the

eye and vision is better for distant than near objectsHyperphoria: A latent tendency for one eye to deviate upwardHypertropia: An obvious upward turning of one of the eyes.Injection: A term sometimes used to mean congestion of ciliary or conjunctival blood vessels, redness of

the eyeInterstitial Keratitis: Infection of the middle layer of the cornea; disease found chiefly in children and

young adults; usually caused by transmission of syphilis from mother to unborn childIntraocular Pressure: The pressure of the fluid (aqueous humor) within the eyeIridectomy: Surgical removal of part of the irisIridocyclitis: Inflammation of the iris and the ciliary bodyIritis: Inflammation of the iris often accompanied by pain, discomfort from light, contraction of the pupil,

and discolorationIshihara Color Plates: A test for color vision based on the ability to trace patterns in a series of

multicolored chartsJaeger Test: A test for near vision using various type sizesKeratitis: Inflammation of the cornea accompanied by loss of transparency and dullnessKeratoplasty: See Corneal GraftLacrimation: Production and release of tearsLagophthalmos: A condition in which the lids cannot be completely closedLaser: Surgical tool using an intense beam of light energy to weld rips and holes or to destroy new blood

vessels (photocoagulation) in the eyeLegal Blindness: Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses or a

Peripheral field so contracted that the widest diameter of such field subtends an angular distanceno greater than 20 degrees

Lens: A refractive medium having one or both surfaces curved; used to improve visionLight Adaptation: Power of the eye to adjust to variationc, in amounts of lightLight Perception: Ability to distinguish light from darkLow Vision: Vision that can not be corrected to normal with conventional glassesLow Vision Aids: Optical device prescribed foi visually impaired personsMacrophthalmos: Abnormally large eyeball, resulting chiefly from infantile glaucomaMegalocornea: Abnormally large cornea present at birthMegalophthalmos: Abnormally large eyeball present at birthMicrophthalmos: Abnormally small eyeball present at birthMicroscopic Glasses: Magnifying lenses designed on the principle of a microscope, occasionally

prescribed for persons with very poor visionMiotic: A drug that causes the pupil to contractMydriatic: A drug that dilates the pupilMyopia: Nearsightedness; a condition in which visual images focus in front of the retina resulting in

Defective distant visionNasolacryinal Duct Stenosis: Narrowing of the tear ducts that lead to the nose

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Near Point Accommodation: The nearest point at which the eye can perceive an object distinctly; varies according to the power of accommodation

Near Point of Convergence: The nearest single point at which two eyes can focus, normally about 3inches from the eyes in young people

Nearsightedness: A refractive error in which the focal point for light rays is in front of the retina (myopia); the ability to see near objects better than distant objects

Near Vision: The ability to distinctly perceive objects at normal reading distance (about 14 inches from the eye)

Night Blindness: Condition in which sight is good by day but deficient at night and/o.r any faint light Noncontact Tonometer: Freestanding instrument used in glaucoma screening which registers intraocular

pressure electronically without direct contact with the eye; ejects a brief puff of air to the eye which registers as a numerical value of intraocular pressure

Nonprogressive: Does not increase in extent or severity Nystagmus: An involuntary rapid movement of the eyeball; it may be lateral, vertical, rotary or mixed Occlusion: Obscuring the vision of one eye to force the use of the other eye (e.g., with eye patch) Oculist or A physician (M.D.): who specializes in diagnosis or Ophthalmologist treatment of defects and

diseases of the eye, performs surgery when necessary and/or prescribes other types of treatment including glasses, medicine and therapy

Ophthalmia: Inflammation of the eye or the conjunctiva Ophthalmia Neonatorum: Blinding eye disease (acute inflammation) of newborn infants; often a

gonorrheal infection acquired in the birth canal from the mother Ophthalmoscope: An instrument used in examining the interior of the eye; funduscope Ophthalmoplegia: Paralysis of the eye muscles Optic Atrophy: Degeneration of the nerve tissue carrying messages from the retina to the brain Optic Chiasm: The crossing of the fibers of the optic nerve on the lower surface of the brain Optician: Specialist who fits, adjusts, and dispenses glasses and other optical devices according to the

written prescription of a licensed physician or optometrist Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve Optics: Science of light and vision Optometrist: A licensed, nonmedical practitioner who examines the eyes and related structures to

determine vision problems, eye disease, or other abnormalities; prescribes glasses, prisms, and exercises.

Orthoptic Training: Series of scientifically planned exercises for developing or restoring the normal teamwork of the eyes

Orthoptist: One who provides orthoptic trainingOscillipsia: The subjective illusion of movement of objects that occurs with some types of nystagmusPalpebral: Fissure A cleft or groove in the eyelidPannus: Growth of new blood vessels and tissue deposits on the corneaPanophthalmitls: Inflammation of all the structures and tissues of the eyePerimeter: An Instrument for measuring the field of visionPeripheral Vision: The ability to perceive object outside the direct line of vision; side visionPhacoemulsification: A technique of cataract removal in which an instrument breaks the lens into small

particles and sucks them through a very small incision in the eyePhlycternular Keratitis: A type of corneal inflammation characterized by the formation of pustules or

papules on the cornea; usually occurs in young children and may be caused by poor nutritionPhoria: Any tendency for deviation of the eyes to turn away from normalPhotophobia: Abnormal sensitivity to liqht

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Phthisis Bulbi: Shrunken, sightless eyeballPink Eye: Inflammation of the conjunctivaPleoptics: Exercise technique designed to develop fuller vision and binocular cooperation; a method for

treating amblyopiaPresbyopia: A gradual lessening of the power of accommodation due to a physiological change which

becomes noticeable with advanced ageProgressive: Increasing in extent or severityProsthesis: Artificial substitute for a missing body part such as the eyePseudoisochromatic Charts: Charts with colored dots of various hues and shades indicating numbers,

letters or patterns; used for testing color discriminationPtosis: A paralytic drooping of the upper eyelidRed Eye: Nonmedical, term used to indicate inflammation of the eyeRefraction: As used by eye specialists, the measurement of the eye to determine refractive errors and the

need for prescription glasses; deviation in the course of the rays of light in passing from one transparent medium into another of different density

Refractive Error: A defect in the eye that prevents light rays from focusing accurately on the retinaRefractive Media: The transparent parts of the eye having deflective power; cornea, aqueous humor, lens, vitreous humorRetinal Aplasia: Failure of the retina to develop into functioning tissue, with subsequent-secondary

degenerative changesRetinal Detachment: A separation of the retina from the choroid Retinal Dystrophy: A disorder of the retina arising from defective or fauIty nutritionRetinitis: Inflammation of the retinaRetinablastoma: The most common malignant intraocular tumor of childhood; usually congenitalRetinoscope: An instrument for determining the refractive state of the eye by observing the movements

of lights and shadows across the pupil by the light thrown onto the retina from a moving mirrorRhodopsin: Visual purple; light sensitive pigment in the rod cells of the retina; important for vision in

dim lightRods: Layer of the retina which acts as light-receiving media; rods are important for motion and vision

at low degrees of illumination (night vision)Safety Glasses: Impact-resistant glasses for eye protectionSchiotz Tonometer: Handheld instrument which measures intraocular pressure by direct contact of a

small plunger with the cornea recording the amount of indentationScleritis: Inflammation of the sclera Scotoma: A blind or partially blind area in the visual field Slit-Lamp Microscope: A combination light and microscope for examination of the eye; principally the

anterior segment Snellen Chart: Used for testing central visual acuity; consists of lines of letters, numbers, or symbols in

graded sizes drawn to Snellen measurements; labeled with the distance at which it can be read bythe normal eye at (20 ft.)

Spherical Lens: Refracts light rays equally at all points along the curved surface Staphyloma: Protrusion of the cornea or sclera resulting from inflammation Stereopsis: Ability to perceive relative position of objects in space without such cues as shadow, size, or

overlapping Strabismus: Crossed eyes; failure of the two eyes simultaneously to direct their gaze at the same object;

due to muscle imbalance Strephasymbolia: A disorder of perception in which objects seem reversed as in a mirror; a reading

difficulty inconsistent with the child's general intelligence beginning with confusion betweensimilar, but oppositely oriented letter (b-d, q-p) and a tendency to reverse direction in reading

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Sty: Horseolum; inflammation of one or more of the sebaceous glands of the eyelids; produces pus; usually due to infection

Sympathetic Ophthalmitis: Inflammation of one eye due to an infection of the other eye Synechia: Adhesion usually of the iris to the cornea or lens Target Screen: Device used to measure the central visual field using a black screen with small test

objects moving within an area corresponding to the area of central vision; plots field restrictions Telescopic Glasses: Magnifying spectacles designed on the principles of the telescope; occasionally

prescribed for improving very poor vision which cannot be helped by ordinary glassesTonography: Recording changes in intraocular pressure produced by t he application of a known weight

on the globe of the eye and measurement of the rate of outflow of aqueous humorTonometer: An instrument for measuring intraocular pressure Toxic Amblyopia: Dimness of vision without organic lesion of the eye due to poisoning such as tobacco

or alcoholTrachoma: A chronic, contagious, viral infection of the conjunctiva of varying degrees of severity; can

produce scarring of eyelids and corneaTrichiases: A turning inward of the eyelashes often causing irritation of the eyeballTropia: Suffix that indicates obvious deviation of the eyes from normal position for binocular visionTunnel Vision: Visual field contracted to give impression of looking through a tunnelUveitis: Inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye Vision: The art or faculty of seeing; sightVisual Acuity: Ability of the eye to perceive objects in the direct line of visionVisual Efficiency: Maximal use of vision; a skill that needs to be developed with low vision studentsVisual Memory: Remembering a visual image that is no longer presentVisual Motor: Coordination of sight with other functions of the bodyVisual Perception: The ability to distinguish visual characteristics and to give them meaning

Eye Report Terms

C, cc : With correction; wearing prescribed lenses with glasses CF: Count fingers; low visual acuity; used in conjunction with distance; e.g., CF at 1 foot (the

individual can count fingers at a distance of one foot) CVF: Central visual field D: Diopter; lens strength HM: Hand movements; used in conjunction with distance; e.g., HM at I foot; the individual can

see hand movements at one foot) IOP: Intraocular pressure; the pressure of aqueous humor within the eye JI, J2, J3: Jaeger notation indicating the size of type which can be read LP: Light perception; ability to distinguish light from dark LPP: Light projection; the ability to perceive and localize Iight NLP: No light perception; inability to distinguish light from dark OD: Right eye; oculus dexter OS: Left eye; oculus sinister OU: Both eyes together; oculi unitas PLL: Perceives and localizes light in one or more quadrants SS or S, SC: Without correction; not wearing glasses 20/20 Vision: Normal visual acuity; ability to correctly perceive an object or letter of a designated size

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from a distance of 20 feet 20/70 Visual acuity notation; ability to see at 20 feet what otherswith normal acuity are able to see at 70 feet; visually impaired 20/200 Visual acuity notation; ability to see at 20 feet what others with normal acuity are able to see at 200 feet; legally blind

VA: Visual acuity VE: Visual efficiency

Cortical Visual Impairment : Neurological condition that prevents the brain from producing the correct visual picture from input.

Congential or acquiredNo special accommodation for lighting No special accommodation for seating Can have 20/20 vision, but…

Physical activity should not be limited.

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