Glossary of Terms
Used in Laser Eye Surgery
ABLATION
Removal of tissue using a laser -
the corneal tissue is evaporated by the energy of the laser. An
average of 0.25 microns of corneal can be ablated per laser
pulse. One micron is one thousands of a milimeter = 0.001mm (the
average treatment depth is 60 microns about half the thickness of a
human hair).
ABERRATIONS
Irregularities in the optical
system of the eye, which are measured by wavefront scanning.
ABLATION ZONE
A circular area of tissue removed
by the laser. It is a minute disc shaped like a lens and is
effectively a ‘contact lens’ lasered on to the eye surface.
Usually, a 6.5mm ablation zone, which can be expanded up to
9mm is given. Doctors take into account maximum pupil dilation when
programming the laser to minimize night time problems the pupil
should not be larger than the treatment zone.
ACETAZOLAMIDE
Oral drug prescribed to reduce
intra-ocular pressure. Possible side effects include loss of
appetite, drowsiness and depression. Rashes and blood disorders
occur rarely.
ACCOMMODATION
The ability to change the
focusing of the eye to see well close to the eye. Adjustment of the
lens within the eye allows near objects to be brought into focus
but making the lens thicker in the middle, increasing the power of
the lens. This ability is lost when the lens becomes more rigid
with age, around the age of 45 and reading glasses are
needed.
ACTIVITIES FOLLOWING EYE SURGERY
Once the patient has attended the
clinic for aftercare and been given the all clear from the
optometrist or doctor, all normal activities can be resumed
depending on the vision. (Check with the medical staff if there is
anything in particular that they wish to confirm would okay to
resume after treatment). Swimming should be avoided for two weeks
as the chlorine in the water will sting the eye and risk of
infection is increased. Also see DRIVING
ACUITY
The measurement of visual
sharpness. Best corrected visual acuity (VA) is the
measurement of the best vision achieved with glasses or
contact lenses. Uncorrected VA is the sharpness of vision without
lenses.
ACULAR
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drop which can help reduce pain and aid healing.
ACUTE COMPLICATION
Complications which arise
quickly and need immediate attention. They are very rare and appear
during the first days after treatment. These will be picked up and
monitored at the first weekly check up.
ADD
Used on prescriptions and refers
to the power added to the lens for reading glasses, usually seen on
prescriptions for people aged over 45. When laser treatment puts
the power of the eye to zero, a patient with "add 2" will need
reasding glasses of +2 after treatment.
ADVERSE REACTION
An unexpected and unfavourable
reaction to drops or drugs. If a patient feels they are having
an adverse reaction, they should contact Optimax immediately.
AFTERCARE
Course of post-operative
treatment involving the monitoring progress of the treated eye
through regular check ups performed at Optimax clinics, or by local
optometrists. Drugs or other reatment may need to be prescribed. We
have a network of optometrists around the country who are trained
in aftercare for laser surgery, and it is possible for some of the
checks to be arranged there.
AGE
The legal minimum age for
laser eye treatment is 18 years. All patients must provide
past prescriptions to prove the stability of the refraction.
The usual age for reaching stability is 21 years of age
and this is the generally accepted minimum age for treatment.
If the prescription has changed within the last year it
may not yet be stable enough. Patients can be refused treatment if
there is any doubt as to the stability of the prescription. There
is no upper age limit. Middle-aged people with low myopia should be
advised that they may be switching their distance glasses for
reading glasses. All patients should be warned of the need for
reading glasses from about 45 years old (with or without
treatment). See also PRESBYOPIA
AGE RELATED MACULAR
DEGENERATION
Loss of the detection of and
reaction to light resulting in decreased vision and sometimes
blindness. However, the decision on whether or not to
treat lies a person with this condition with the treating
doctor. Most doctors would prefer to carry out the PRK process on
such patients as opposed to LASIK.
AK
Abbreviation for Astigmatic
Keratotomy. This is the use of a diamond shaped knife to make a
small incision in the outer part of the eye to reduce
astigmatism.
ALK
Abbreviation for Automated
Lamellar Keratoplasty, a surgical procedure to replace the front of
a damaged cornea. This technique is not performed at
Optimax.
AMBLYOPIA
Clinical name for a lazy eye,
blind or low-functioning eye. Certain forms of mild
amblyopia can be helped with laser treatment. We do not treat
an only good eye in case there is a problem, which could end
up leaving the patient with poor vision in both eyes or vision
below driving standard.
AMETHOCAINE DROPS
Anaesthetic eye drops
administered immediately before treatment. Numbs the eye
completely, making treatment totally pain free. Also see
PROXYMETACAIN
ANAESTHETIC
Anaesthetic eye drops which numb
the eye for about an hour, with no injections required.
ANISEIKONIA
A difference in imaging size
between the two eyes.
ANISOMETROPIA
A difference in refractive power
of the two eyes in which the variance is at least one
dioptre.
ANKYLOSING
SPONYETIS
A condition which causes regular
infections in the eye. The eye needs to be clear of infection at
the time of treatment and severe cases are advised not to have
treatment.
ANOMALY
Deviation from the normal.
ANTERIOR CHAMBER
The fluid filled area at the
front of the eye, between the cornea and the iris.
ANTERIOR
UVETITIS
Inflamation at the front of the
eye.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Drugs taken in the form of drops
or ointments which reduce the inflammation and aid in pain
relief.
ANTIBIOTICS
Given in the form of ointments or
drops to be administered regularly for the first few days after
treatment. Chloramphenicol or Exocin are commonly used at
Optimax.
ANXIETY
Patients who suffer from anxiety
or depression should mention this at the time of booking,
particularly if on any medication. The clinic will check with the
treating doctor about medication in case it is a
contra-indication.
AQUEOUS HUMOR
The fluid in the eye, which is
kept under pressure to maintain the roundness of the eye.
ARTHIRITIS RHEUMATOID
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a contra indication to treatment.
People suffering from arthritis
can be treated but the treating doctor will need to know what
prescription medication is being taken.
ARTISAN LENS
Lens implant used for Implantable
Contact Lens. These lenses are custom made according to the
patient’s prescription.
ASPIRIN
Common medication, not a
contra-indication to treatment, But because it thins the blood,
some doctors recommend
LASEK over
LASIK.
ASSESSMENT
Usually preliminary tests are
carried out to see if a patient may be suitable for consultation.
Also see OPEN DAYS
ASTIGMATISM
Condition in which the surface of
the eye is not truly round (asymmetrical) and causes the eye to
focus unevenly. Vision is blurred and distorted at all distances.
For example, when an astigmatic person looks at the spokes of a
wheel, some spokes appear clearer than others. The optician can
prescribe a lens to rectify this distortion so that when looking at
the wheel, each spoke would be equally as clear. Also see
CYLINDER
AUTO-REFRACTION
An automatic eye test machine to
assess the patient's prescription is used as a double check to
assist the doctor in consultation.
AXIS
The angle of the astigmatism
across the cornea, measured in degrees from 0 degrees - 180
degrees. It is noted in the third box of your prescription. 90
degrees is vertical (against the rule) and 180 degrees is
horizontal (with the rule) - in minus cyl form.
BALANCE PRESCRIPTION
A prescription for one eye with a
symbol BAL (or B/S-balance sphere). A lens of the same power
is given to balance the weight and look of the glasses.
This means that this eye is non-functioning and the patient is
not suitable for treatment. Also see AMBLYOPIA
BANDAGE CONTACT LENS
This is a contact lens which
the doctor places on the eye directly after treatment, in
order to protect the eye and reduce pain. Patients should not
remove them. An appointment is necessary for two or three days
later to be removed professionally.
BASE CURVE
A measurement used in prescribing
a contact lens: the radius of the central posterior surface. Base
curve is not relevant to laser eye surgery.
B/S
See Balance Prescription.
BEAM SIZE (ZONE SIZE)
The beam size of the laser
determines the zone size of the ablation. Patients with larger
pupils will need to be treated with a wider beam size or there is a
higher risk of halos. Optimax lasers use a standard beam size
of 6.5mm but this can be expanded to 9mm. Also see HALOS
BENOXINATE-HCL
Used as a local anaesthetic in the form of eye drops.
BEST CORRECTED VISUAL ACUITY
The measurement of the best
vision sharpness achieved with the aid of glasses or contact
lenses.
BCVA
Best Corrected Visual Acuity. See above.
BETNESOL-N
Anti-inflammatory ointment used
following treatment.
BETOPIC
Drops used to reduce the
intra-ocular pressure - a possible side effect is dry eyes.
BI-FOCALS
Glasses or contact lenses with a
different power for distance vision at the top and a prescription
for reading at the bottom of the lenses (sometimes you can see the
dividing line on the glasses if you look closely). Patients with
bifocal lenses will need reading glasses if fully corrected by
laser, unless mono vision or Prelex implantable lenses are
chosen.
BILATERAL
Treatment to both eyes, usually in the
same sitting.
BINOCULAR
Latin bini-two + oculus-eye. Both
eyes used in conjunction give better quality of vision and depth
perception.
BINOCULAR VISION
Use of both eyes working together.
BLEND ZONE
Patients with large pupils are given extra treatment at the
outer edge of the cornea to improve on night vision problems. Where
the pupil expands beyond the treatment zone. See TRANSITION
ZONE
BLEPHERITIS
Inflammation of the eyelids, a
common problem but not a contra-indication. Eyes should be clear of
this condition prior to treatment.
BLURRY VISION
Following LASEK treatment, your
vision will be blurry for the first few days after treatment. This
is because your epithelium (the surface cells of your eye) is
healing and also partly due to the ointment/drops you are using
post-treatment.
BOWMAN’S MEMBRANE
The top layer of tissue between
the epithelium and the stroma (5-10 microns thick -- .005 to .01
millimetres), which is removed with the LASEK procedure but not
with LASIK.
BREAST FEEDING
Mother should waituntil three
months after weaning before having laser eye treatment.
BROAD BEAM LASER
A medical instrument that
produces a powerful beam of light that is focused at close range to
remove corneal tissue. A broad beam laser uses a relatively large
beam diameter, from 6.0 to 8.0 millimetres, which can be
manipulated to reprofile the cornea.
BUTTONHOLE FLAP
A flap complication, in
which the flap has a central hole in it. Treatment is
abandoned and the flap is replaced to heal. It is usual to re-treat
three months later but there is a small risk of scarring and
decreased vision so close follow up is essential.
CARDIAC PACEMETER
People with pacemakers should be
suitable for treatment.
CALIBRATION
Procedure carried out to test the
laser before treatment sessions. This is to ensure that the laser
is functioning properly and emitting the correct energy
level.
CATARACTS
A clouding of the lens, usually
in older people. Optimax offers cataract removal in its
London clinics. It is possible to correct a patient’s short or
long sight at the same time. A lens with the corrective power to
eliminate glasses is inserted when the clouded lens is
removed.
CENTRATION
High speed trackers and iris
recognition is used to ensure the laser is properly centred on the
visual axis of the eye.
CHIRON
German manufacturer of the
Excimer laser 'Technolas 217 & 217A lasers'.
CHLORAMPHENICOL
Antibiotic ointment to be
administered after treatment by some doctors.
CHOROID
The brownish membrane of the eyeball between the sclera
(outer) and the retina (inner).
CK – CONDUCTIVE KERATOPLASTY
A non-surgical procedure for the correction of presbyopia (the
need for reading glasses). CK uses a probe to apply high frequency
radio waves into the corneal tissue, causing shrinkage. This
controlled shrinkage reshapes the cornea to change refractive
error;
learn more
here.
CILIARY BODY
The part of the eye that connects
the choroid with the iris.
COLLAGEN DISEASES
Diseases of the fibrous protein
of connective tissue and bones. A contra-indication to laser
treatment as healing is abnormal and unpredictable. A typical
symptom is raised large scarring of wounds on the body. Also see
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
COMPLICATIONS
During the healing process
patients may experience pain on waking up, tenderness, grittiness,
glare around lights at night (halos), droopy eye lids, slight
double vision or loss of best visual sharpness. These effects
reduce gradually and rarely persist in the long term.
CONCAVE LENS
A lens with a hollow shape like
the inside surface of a ball. Concave lenses are - (minus)
power lenses and are used to correct myopia or
near-sightedness.
CONGENITAL NYSTAGMUS
Nystagmus is the involuntary
movement of the eye, which reduces vision. This is common in
Albinos. Congenital Nystagmus is thought to be present at birth. A
contra-indication to laser treatment.
CONJUNCTIVA
Delicate inner surface of the
eyelid expanding to the white part of the eyeball.
CONJUCTIVITIS
The inflammation or infection of
the conjunctiva. A person who has conjunctivitis has to wait until
it has cleared before having laser treatment.
CONSENT FORM
The legal contract document
outlining the risks involved in and alternatives to laser vision
correction surgery. Each patient booking for treatment receives a
consent form prior to coming to Optimax and should read this
carefully beforehand.
CONSULTATION
An appointment with the
specialist Optimax staff (which includes an eye test) and thorough
examination to discuss suitability and expectations of the patient
and their specific case.
CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC SURGEON/OPHTHALMOLOGIST
In order to become a consultant
in the UK a doctor must be on the Specialist Register of the
General Medical Council (GMC). Entry to the Specialist Register is
with the CCST (Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training) or
through equivalent qualifications under the European Union
Law.
CONTACT LENS
Small lens which can be
placed directly onto the eye to correct imperfect
vision. After LASEK treatment the doctor will place a
bandage contact lens on the treated eye. This is to help
protect the cornea and must only be removed by the Optometrist or
Doctor (NOT by the patient) in the following few days.
CONTACT LENS REMOVAL
Contact lenses must be removed
prior to the treatment appointment as they affect the shape of the
eye and this will alter the result. For best results, patients
should follow the guidelines in the Optimax information pack (one
week for soft lenses, three weeks for GP and hard lenses).
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
A reason that makes a patient
unsuitable for laser treatment. These are listed in the
Optimax information pack. For example, Kerataconous, Amblyopia,
Nystagmus, age under 20 (unstable prescription), collagen diseases,
rheumatoid arthritis, viral infections, prisms, pregnancy and
breastfeeding.
CONTRAST SENSITIVITY
The ability to perceive
differences between an object and its background. Reduced contrast
sensitivity is a possible side effect of laser vision
correction and is particularly troublesome in poor
illumination.
CONTROLLED DRUGS
Home Office regulated and
monitored prescription drugs.
CONVERGENCE
The ability to turn both
eyes inward to ‘aim’ at the object being viewed. Involuntary
covergence is called a squint and is not correctable with a
laser.
CONVEX LENS
A lens with a bulging surface
like the outer surface of a ball. Convex lenses are + (plus) power
lenses and are used to correct hyperopia (long or far sight)
and for reading glasses as needed in presyopia.
CORNEA
Transparent layer covering the
front of the eye. The cornea accounts for two thirds of the
focusing power of the eye. Flattening of the cornea by the laser
reduces its focusing power, thereby eliminating short sight.
CORNEAL ECTASIA
The outward bulging of the
cornea. This usually happens when the cornea is not thick enough to
leave an adequate stromal bed (thickest layer of the cornea)
following treatment. A rare but serious complication of LASIK
surgery.
CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM
The inner layer of
renewable cells on the inside surface of the cornea, which
supply the cornea with nutrients and oxygen.
CORNEAL EPITHELIUM
The outer surface layer of the
cornea, like the epidermis or outer layer of the skin. These cells
regenerate themselves every 24 hours or so and have to be displaced
prior to lasering in LASEK laser treatment.
CORNEAL EPITHELIOPATHY
This is staining of the surface
of the eye which can result from contact lens use or disease. It
will depend on the consultation with our medical staff as to
whether the patient is suitable for treatment or not.
CORNEAL EROSION
Erosion of the cornea, due to
surface dryness, trauma or other causes. Corneal erosion is very
painful (similar to ARK eye) for a period of minutes to hours. This
is a rare complication of LASEK.
CORNEAL HAZE
An opacification or cloudiness of
the normally clear cornea, which can occur as a side
effect of LASEK. Any build up of inflammatory infiltrates (white
blood cells), extra moisture, scar tissue, or foreign substances
such as drugs, can cause a clouding of the cornea. Most types of
haze will disappear with time or drug treatment but sometimes,
permanent haze or scars can form.
CORNEAL THICKNESS
Measured in microns by a
Pachymeter. Essential in checking if there is enough tissue for
LASIK treatment which involves cutting a flap in the cornea.
Patients with a thin cornea may not be suitable for LASIK but may
be suitable for LASEK or Implantable Contact Lenses. Also see
PACHYMETER
CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP
A corneal topography which shows
the surface profile of the cornea. Height mapping is shown in
colour of the front surface of the eye to show the surface shape of
the cornea. Optimax has topography machines and Orbscan machines in
all clinics. This is a very important part of our initial screening
and aftercare monitoring.
CORNEAL ULCER
Ulcer on the front of the eye -
it can be motivation to have laser treatment for short or long
sight. Suitability is dependent on the doctor’s decision.
CROHNS DISEASE
CURVATURE
Amount of curve on the front of
eye.
CUSTOM ABLATION
This refers to Wavefront guided
treatment. When the laser has been programmed specifically for the
patient’s irregularities of cornea based on their topography or on
Wavefront scans.
CYLINDER MERIDIAN
In ophthalmology, a line that is
the symmetrical centre of a curved optical surface. Measure of
astigmatism.
CYCLOPELGIC REFRACTION
An examination of the eye to
determine refractive error while the natural crystalline lens of
the eye is paralyzed and unable to accommodate.
CYCLOPENTOLATE
Drops used to dilate the
pupil.
DCH
Diploma in Child Health.
DEBRIDEMENT
Removal of tissue or foreign object from a wound.
DECENTRATION
In the perfect centration the
centre of the Epiflap corneal ablation exactly coincides with the
centre of the visual axis and/or pupil. This is like looking
through the very centre of your spectacle lens. If you look through
the periphery of your lens you might end up seeing partly through
the lens and partly through edge of the lens this is decentration.
Decentration can cause various symptoms including edge glare or
even monocular double vision. Other factors such as the normal size
of the pupil, whether it is dark out or the size of the Epiflap
laser ablation zone will affect the severity or presence of
symptoms. Optimax eye trackers and iris recognition avoid laser
decentralisations.
DELAYED HEALING
When the eye heals slower than
the normal rate. This can result in leaving the patient
long-sighted, or suffering from haze.
DEPRESSION
DESCEMET’S MEMBRANE
The layer of the cornea between
the stroma and the endothelium. Five microns thick (.005
millimetres), this membrane provides an adhesion layer for the
endothelium.
DESIRED AIM
Level of correction the doctor
aims at with the laser setting. Optimax aims to get all patients to
within plus or minus one half of a dioptre. This is range that
opticians usually ignore and would not prescribe glasses.
DETACHED RETINA
This is a serious condition
affecting the back lining of the eye. If repaired successfully it
may be possible to perform laser treatment on the eye. This would
need to be discussed at the clinic upon consulation.
DETURGESCENCE
The balance of hydration in the eye.
DEXAMETHASONE
Drops used to reduce
post-operative inflammation following eye operations, also in
ointment form such as Maxitrol.
DIABETICS
People suffering abnormal levels
of blood sugars and can result in raised internal eye pressure.
Most well-controlled diabetic sufferers are suitable for
treatment. Also see IOP
DILATION
A process by which the pupil is
enlarged, in order to see the back of the eye.
DIOPTRE
Unit of measuring the refractive
power of a lens. A lens with strength of 1 dioptre will converge
distant light at a point of one meter from the lens.
DIPLOPIA
Double vision or seeing double,
usually with both eyes open as in binocular diplopia, but can be
with only one eye as in monocular diplopia.
DISPOSABLE LENSES
Soft, throw away contact lenses.
These need to be left out for one week prior to laser
surgery.
DIZZINESS
Sense of unbalance. This is a
normal symptom after treatment and should subside after a few days.
If it persists then mention it to the doctor at the check up. Rest
can often help to reduce the symptom.
DLK (DIFFUSE LAMELLER KERATITIS)
Also known as Sands of Sahara
Syndrome (SOSS). Inflammation between the corneal flap and the bed
of the eye. No specific cause, but should be noted as one of the
possible complications after LASIK. Not an infection. It is
necessary to treat DLK without delay to avoid long term side
effects and is effectively treated with steriods.
DO
Diploma in Ophthalmology.
DOCTORS’ REGISTRATION
Optimax doctors are all fully
qualified medical practitioners who have specialised in
Ophthalmology. Each is registered with the General Medical
Council (GMC). Doctors who are Fellows or Members of the Royal
College of Ophthalmology, or Fellows of the Royal College of
Surgeons perform all treatments. Also see abbreviations of
qualifications for more information.
DOMINANT EYE
Usually the eye used to focus a
camera or fire a gun. This eye is would usually be treated second
if the patient is only having one eye treated at a time. Most of
the time patients now have both eyes treated at the same
sitting. See BILATERAL
DOUBLE VISION
Seeing two or more images, often
shown with a prism reading on the prescription. Not suitable
for laser treatment. Laser treatment can only treat the
distance vision problem. If you are happy with the vision from
contact lenses, then you should be suitable for laser
treatment.
DRIVING
After laser treatment, do not
drive until you feel completely confident; this may take up to two
weeks or longer depending on the individual’s rate of healing.
Don’t forget, it is illegal to drive if you cannot read a car
number plate at 67 feet.
DROOPY EYE LID
A rare side effect of
laser treatment. The treated eyelid droops down to varying
degrees. There are surgical procedures available to correct this.
Medical term for this is Ptosis (pronounced Tosis). Usually if this
occurs it is only very slight (about 1mm) and in most cases it
rectifies itself with time. Also see PTOSIS.
DRY EYE
A condition where the eye fails
to produce enough tears. If this is a severe condition then it is
considered to be a contra-indication to treatment. Post treatment,
doctors normally prescribe Hypromellose (artificial tears) which
are available over the counter. This should relieve the discomfort
the patient is experiencing. If discomfort continues or is severe,
the patient should contact us for an appointment to check it. Dry
eye is not usually a contra-indication for LASEK.
D/S
Abbreviation for dioptre sphere -
the measurement of short/long sight.
ECSTASIA
A progressive corneal thinning
and bulging. See CORNEAL ECSTASIA
EMMETROPES
People who have no refractive
error.
EMMETROPIA
The ophthalmic term for normal
sight without glasses: no near-sightedness, far-sightedness or
astigmatism. This is what laser surgery aims to achieve.
ENDOPHTHALMITIS
An inflammation within the eye.
Endophthamistis is usually used to indicate an infectious
disease as occasionally occurs as a complication of ICL surgery. It
should be treated with utmost urgency to avoid the loss of the
eye.
ENDOTHELIUM
The inner layer of cells on the
inside surface of the cornea. See CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM
ENHANCEMENT
Extra laser treatment made to
refine or improve the original visual result.
LASEK
The procedure in which the eye is
prepared by ‘peeling back’ a small area of the epithelium (the
treatment zone) in order to expose the cornea before putting the
epithelium back in place. Also called Epi-flap with PRK. This
method retains the epithelium mostly intact and so reduces the post
treatment pain. It may also be a factor in the reduction of
scarring or ‘haze’.
EPILEPSY
Controlled Epilepsy
is not a contra-indication to laser vision
correction.
EPITHELIAL INGROWTH
A complication of LASIK wherein
epithelial cells grow underneath the corneal flap. This requires
remedial treatment at Optimax.
EPITHELIUM
Transparent layer of protective
watery loose cells covering the eye constantly by renewing ‘skin’.
It is ‘peeled’ back from the treatment site immediately prior to
LASEK. The LASEK method is believed to be beneficial in that
it reduces the risk of haze and is much less painful for the
patient during the healing. Occasionally it may be removed
completely and grows back within a few days. This is the older
method of PRK preparation and can be very uncomfortable in the
first week.
EROSION
Corneal erosion is where cells
are not being replaced and the blinking action can cause the eye to
be painful and sore, particularly on waking. See CORNEAL
EROSION
ETHANOL
A small amount of this alcohol is
used in the preparation of the eye for LASEK. It softens the
epithelial tissue so that it can be manipulated and peeled back
ready for treatment.
EXCIMER
EXCited diMER a dimer molecule
which consists of two unstable identical simpler molecules which
emit light on combining and splitting on excitation by an
external electrical force.
EXCIMER LASER
Argon/Fluoride laser emitting a
beam of ultra violet light, capable of removing microscopic amounts
of tissue from the cornea. Optimax uses the Nidek laser which is a
second-generation 6.5mm beam laser. We also have a Technolas 217
laser in our Aberdeen, Leeds and London clinics.
EXOPHORIA
This is a muscle imbalance, which
makes your eyes turn outwards. If it is severe or you need a prism
you would not be considered suitable for treatment.
EXOCIN DROPS
Antibiotics sometimes favoured by
doctors for use after treatment.
EYE DROPS
Drugs administered to the eye in
drop form -
Tropicomide: Dilating drops
to examine the back of the eye.
Amethecain: Anaesthetic
drops to numb eyes before treatment. Proxymetacain:
Anaesthetic drops to numb eyes before treatment.
Hypromellose: Administered for dry eyes.
Pilocarpine: Constricting
drops for the pupil.
FML: Steroid drops
administered to slow down the healing process. Mainly used for
patients who are regressing.
Exocin: See above.
EYE PATCH
A gauze pad which is placed on
your eye with micropore tape to keep your eyelids closed. This is
to be removed on the treating doctor’s instruction, usually within
24 hours.
EYE-PRESSURE TEST
A standard eye test that
determines the fluid pressure inside the eye. The test is called a
tonometry. Increased pressure within the eye is a possible sign of
glaucoma and must be treated to avoid blindness. Well controlled
glaucoma is not a contraindication to laser treatment.
EYE TEST
An eye examination used to
measure the power of glasses needed. The level of correction for
best possible sight, also known as “refraction” (or R).
FAR-SIGHTEDNESS
The American term for long
sight (hyperopia). Also see HYPEROPIA
FEMTOSECOND
Abbreviated as fs, a femtosecond is one
quadrillionth of a second.
FEMTOSECOND LASER
The femtosecond laser for ophthalmology is used
to create a LASIK flap in a procedure commonly called IntraLASIK or
'all laser LASIK'.
It is a silent, bladeless, computer-guided
laser used in Step One of LASIK to safely create corneal flaps of
exact size, shape, and depth. The lasers uses
femtosecond technology to pass through the cornea at 15,000
pulses per second.
FIREMEN
Patients are advised to check the
Fire Brigades policy on applicants who have undergone laser
refractive surgery. Usually the minimum sight requirements are: 6/6
in each eye (uncorrected). The maximum degree of short sight
allowed is 0.25 dioptres or 0.5 cylinder. Applicants who are able
to achieve an acuity of 6/6 in each eye unassisted but who in
retinoscopy are found to have greater than –0.25 dioptres sphere or
0.5 cylinder are disqualified by myopia. The maximum degree of long
sight that is allowed is +1.50 dioptres.
FIXATION
The ability to direct and
maintain steady visual attention on a target. Fixation is required
during treatment, where you will be asked to stare at a small
coloured light.
FLAP
In LASIK a thin layer is cut into
the cornea to create the ‘flap’. The hinge should be sufficient to
replace the flap properly after treatment. Complications can occur
such as the ‘free flap’ where the flap becomes detached, or an
incomplete flap or buttonhole flap etc.
FLAP HINGE
The point at which the flap, cut
by the microkeratome, remains connected to the cornea. This hinge
may be nasal (toward the nose) or superior (toward the top).
FLAP INCOMPLETE
If there has been a malfunction
of the microkeratome, the flap creation process may have been
aborted prematurely, resulting in an incomplete flap. In this
instance the laser treatment is abandoned and the flap is replaced
and left for three months to heal before laser treatment can be
given again.
FLOATERS
Congealment of the liquid inside
the eye into lumps which float around in the eye causing blurring
if they pass through the visual axis. Floaters are not necessarily
a contra-indication to treatment but they cannot be cured by LASEK
or LASIK.
FLUCTUATING VISION
Patient can expect their vision
to fluctuate during the day for the first two to three weeks after
laser eye treatment.
FLUORESCEIN STAINING
A way to test for dryness on the
ocular surface. A tiny amount of sodium fluorescein dye is place in
the tear film. The colour will make microscopic dots appear where
the eye has become dry. Excessive staining is an indication of
dryness which may need further treatment.
FLUROMETHOLONE
Steroid eye drops used for local
treatment of inflammation.
FML DROPS
Fluorometholone (with liquifilm)
-mild steroid drops- 5ml bottles prescribed for short-term use
only. Used in local treatment for inflammation. Reduced tendency to
raise IOP. Only prescribed at the doctor’s discretion and is
obtained from the local chemist, chargeable to the patient.
Steriods have a tendency to raise internal eye pressure and the
eyes must be monitored closely to avoid glaucoma, which in
prolonged cases can cause blindness.
FOCIMETER
A machine to measure the strength
of glasses. Can be used to get a measurement of your prescription
from a pair of glasses in place of a printed prescription.
FOCUS
Point at which light rays meet.
When these rays focus correctly on the retina (at the back of the
eye) the image is clear. In short sighted people the light rays
meet just too short of the retina and images are blurred. In
long-sighted people the light rays meet just behind the retina so
near vision is not in focus.
FORME FRUSTE KERATOCONUS
This is keratoconus in the very
early stages and is a contra-indication to laser treatment.
FORME FRUSTE INTACTS
Intacs can treat kerataconus by
the insertion of small plastic implants within the edges of the
cornea.
FRCOphth
Fellow of the Royal College of
Ophthalmologists.
FRCS
Fellow of the Royal College of
Surgeons.
FRCS (ED)
Fellow of the Royal College of
Surgeons - Edinburgh.
FRCSI
Fellow of the Royal College of
Surgeons in Ireland.
FREE CAP (FLAP)
A complication occurring during
the creation of the LASIK flap, where there is no hinge and the
flap becomes free-standing. Usually, laser treatment can proceed
and the flap is replaced normally.
FUCH’S CORNEAL DISTROPHY
A contra-indication.
FUCITHALMIC
Eye drops used for bacterial
infections.
FUNDUSCOPY
Examination of the back of the
eye (fundus) to ensure that it is healthy and not showing any signs
of detachment, retinal holes or tears. Sometimes it is necessary to
put dilating drops (Tropicomide) into the eye to examine the retina
more closely- particularly for people who are over –6.00 dioptres.
In this case it is not possible for the patient to drive home as
they should wait until the pupil has retracted to its normal
size.
GAS PERMEABLE CONTACT LENSES
Type of contact lens allowing
oxygen to penetrate through, enabling the cornea to breathe. Gas
permeable lenses need to be removed about three weeks prior to the
consultation and treatment.
GENERAL ANAESTHETIC
Not necessary for LASEK or LASIK or ICL's so not available at
Optimax.
GENTAMICIN
Eye drops used for bacterial
infections.
GHOST IMAGE
A fainter second image of the
object you are viewing.
GLARE
Flaring and star burst effect
when looking at bright lights, particularly noticeable at night.
Can be a symptom of halos and haze and is the most common side
effect of laser treatment. See
www.freevision.com for
simulations.
HALOS
This side effect is
associated with patients who have large pupils. Our lasers can
treat 6.5mm pupils but this can be expanded to a treatment zone of
9mm. If the pupil dilates beyond the treated area then the patient
may experience this halo effect at night. Glare around bright
lights can be particularly distracting when driving.
HANSATOME
The flap cutting device is the
microkeratome. It is used for creating the corneal flap during to
LASIK treatment.
HARD LENS
Hard or rigid lenses can correct
small amounts of astigmatism because the tear film fills the gap
between the lens and the uneven spots on the cornea. Soft lenses
cannot do this because they hug to the surface of the eye. Hard
lenses need to be removed and not worn for three weeks prior to
laser treatment.
HAYFEVER DROPS
Patients should check at the
one-week check up when they are able to resume using hayfever
drops. It is normally fine to do so after 7-10 days but check with
medical staff to confirm this.
HAZE
Also referred to as healing
tissue or scar tissue. This can affect LASEK patients to
varying degrees but it is usually mild and clears up within a few
months. Patients sometimes complain of glare at night and
vision that is similar to that when looking through frosted glass
or dirty glasses. Limiting LASEK to -5d has reduced incidence of
haze to minimal levels.
HEADACHES
This is an occasional normal
side effect after treatment. Some patients experience headaches
within an hour but if television and reading is avoided for a few
days the headaches should ease. Usually within three to four days
the headaches have subsided.
HEALTHCARE COMMISSION
A government body responsible for
regulating Laser Vision Correction establishments.
HEREDITARY
Conditions passed down from
generation to generation. It is important to advise the treating
doctor of any known medical conditions in the patient’s parents
e.g. glaucoma, as some eye conditions are hereditary. The doctor
can then consider these specific symptoms.
HERPES SIMPLEX KERATITIS
A virus infection of the cornea
which would endanger the cornea if treated by LASEK or LASIK.
Contra-indication.
HIV
HIGHER ORDER ABERRATIONS
Optical (corneal) irregularities
not measurable with conventional eye exams and not correctable with
spectacles or soft contact lenses. Higher order aberrations
are detected by Wavefront diagnosis and treated
accordingly.
HOMATROPINE
Drops used to dilate
pupils.
HYPERTENSION
Raised internal eye
pressure. See GLAUCOMA and INTRA OCULAR EUE
PRESSURE
HYPROMELLOSE
Artificial tears. To be used if
your eyes are not producing enough natural tears and causing you
discomfort. They are available over the counter without
prescription. If discomfort continues when using these drops, or it
is severe, the patient should contact us for an aftercare
appointment.
HYPEROPES
HYPEROPIA
The medical term for long
sightedness. In the hyperopic eye, images are focused beyond
the retina. The hyperopic eye is often described as being too flat
or too short. In young people hyperopia can be overcome by
accomadation, the natural ability to increase the focusing power of
the eye. A magnifying lens is required to correct the sight when
the natural ability has been lost due in middle
age.
IN-HOUSE
Procedures performed within an
organisation e.g. in-house check ups are performed within an
Optimax clinic.
INDUCED ASTIGMATISM
Laser vision correction is
usually used to eliminate astigmatism. However, in cases where
the astigmatism has increased or caused it where it didn’t exist
prior to treament it is referred to as induced
astigmatism.
INFECTION
There risk of infection is
present with any surgery. Patients are issued
with anti-biotics to minimise this risk. If patients suspect
infection they are advised to contact Optimax as soon as possible.
Uncontrolled infection can lead to blindness.
INFERIOR
Lower part of the eye.
INFLAMMATION
The body’s reaction to trauma,
infection or a foreign substance often associated with pain, heat,
redness, swelling, and/or loss of
function.
IN SITU
Latin term meaning ‘in place’ or
not removed.
INSULIN
Drug used in controlling
diabetes. Also see DIABETES. Well controlled diabetics without eye
damage are suitable for laser treatment.
INTACS
Intrastromal Corneal Ring
Segments used to treat kerataconus. An alternative refractive
surgery using two ring shaped implants, surgically inserted into
the cornea. This has a flattening effect on the cornea caused by
kerataconus and is potentially reversable.
The implantation INTACS are the first approved non-laser
procedure to correct mild myopia or nearsightedness. As in all
surgical vision correction, the objective of the intrastromal
corneal ring segments procedure is to reshape the cornea in order
to correct for imperfections. Unlike most other refractive eye
surgery procedures, however, the ICRS procedure corrects the vision
problems without removing any eye tissue.
The basis of the ICRS procedure is the surgical implantation
of two ultra thin arcs in the peripheral area of the cornea. These
arcs (or segments) are manufactured from a polymer that has been
safely used in cataract surgery for more than 40 years. When the
arcs are implanted, they flatten the cornea to the degree required
to correct the myopic condition. The procedure does not cut or
remove any tissue, making this quite different from other
refractive surgery procedures that permanently alter the cornea.
They are designed to remain permanently in place, although the
segments can later be removed or replaced to correct for possible
sight changes as the eye ages.
The best candidates for the corneal ring procedure are usually
those patients with mild myopia (-1.00 to -3.00) who have no more
than 1.00 dioptre of astigmatism. Patients should also be at least
21 years of age with vision that has been stable for at least one
year and be free of eye disease.
INTERFACE DEBRIS
Particles left in the flap
interface when the flap is replaced after lasering. Interface
debris is not usually visually significant depending on
its nature, quantity and location.
INTOLERANCE - Contact Lenses
Some patients are 'contact lense
intolerant' always, or after a certain period of time. This is a
major reason why people have laser eye surgury.
INTRA-OCULAR PRESSURE (IOP)
Pressure in eye's fluid inside of
the eye which keeps the globe of the eye inflated and round. Normal
IOP pressure is in the range of 15 to 20mm of mercury
raised pressure must be dealt with without delay if sustained
for a long period of time it can lead to blindness. The use of
steroids can increase IOP above safe limits and careful
monitoring of pressure is essential.
INTRALASE- LASIK
LASIK procedure where the flap is
created by an Intralase laser and not with a microkeratome as in
standard LASIK. It eliminates the blade and associated flap
complications.
INTRASTROMAL CORNEAL RING
See INTACS
INTRA-OCULAR LENS (IOL)
Intraocular lens surgery is used
to treat servere cases of hyperopia, astimatism and
myopia wide range of hyperopia and myopia. This procedure
involves inserting an implant called an intra-ocular lens into the
eyes.
IRIS
The coloured ring of tissue
behind the cornea and immediately in front of the lens. The Iris
expands and contracts to alter the amount of light entering the
eye.
IRITIS
An inflammation of the iris. Not
a definite contra-indication to treatment unless severe and
repeated. This needs to be discussed with the doctor at
the consultation
IRREGULAR ASTIGMATISM
A refractive error caused by an
irregular shape of the cornea in which the curve on one side of the
meridian or axis is not symmetrical with the curve on either side.
Customised Wavefront is used to treat the condition.
KERATO
A prefix indicating the cornea
(or window) of the eye.
KERATO CONJUNCT-IVITIS
An inflammation or infection of
the cornea and conjunctiva.
KERATACONOUS
An eye condition where the front
of the eye (cornea) is extremely is cone shaped. It is the cause of
unusually marked astigmatism and usually develops in the
late teens. It can occur in one or both eyes. Special contact
lenses can usually restore good sight, but this condition is
progressive. This is a contra-indication to laser treatment. Also
called a conical cornea. Kerataconous can be releived by an
operation called intra corneal implants. (Intacts).
KERATACONOUS INTACTS
KERATECTOMY
Surgical excision of part of the
cornea with a diamond knife. Kera-cornea, Tectomy-cutting. Also see
RK, AK, radial keratectomy.
KERATITIS
The inflammation or
infection of the cornea.
KERATOMETRY
Measurement of the curvature of
the cornea. Can be obtained by using instruments such as the Oculus
Keratometer or the Orbscan.
KERATOMILEUSIS
Surgical procedure on the cornea
using a corneal graft instead of laser treatment to correct short
sight.
KERATOPLASTY
Surgery of the cornea including a
complete corneal transplant from a donor eye used when a
patient has a diseased or damaged cornea.
KERATOTOMY
Surgical incision of the
cornea.
LACRIMAL GLANDS
The glands in the upper eyelid
that produce the tear film.
LAMELLAR KERATOPLASTY
The replacement of superficial
layers of the cornea with the layers of donor eye. Necessary to
restore sight for those with damaged surfaces to the eye.
LASEK – LASER ASSISTED SUB-EPITHELIUM KERATOMILEUSIS
This is a technique that involves
preserving as much of the epithelium as possible by loosening the
cells with an alcohol solution. This allows the surgeon
to fold back the epithelium similar to the flap in LASIK,
prior to lasering
LASER
An acromym for light
amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The laser used
in refractive eye treamtment is an Argon Fluoride laser cool beam
of pulsating ultraviolet invisible light. Lasers are extremely
precise and computer controlled and are given for the
correction required for each eye.
LTK - LASER THERMAL KERATOPLASTY
A form of laser eye surgery
using a holmium YAG laser where two rings of laser energy were
applied to the midperiphery of the cornea, heating the collagen in
the cornea to change its shape. In this procedure, no instrument
comes into physical contact with the cornea. Optimax uses this
laser for enhancments to reduce induced hyperopia.
LASIK – LASER ASSISTED IN-SITU KERATMOLEUSIS
The front of the cornea is cut to
form a flap and exposed corneal bed is treated with the
laser is treated with the laser. The flap is then replaced.
This procedure is very popular with patients and doctors throughout
the world. It is estimated that two million LASIK treatments
are performed each year worldwide.
LAZY EYE
Non-functioning eye, usually a
contra-indication to laser treatment. Also see AMBLYOPIA. Mild
forms can sometimes be helped by laser treatment
LEUCOMAS
Scars that are dense and
white.
LENS
A transparent material used to
bend light and form images correctly onto the back of the
retina. Lenses placed in a frame and worn as glasses, or
placed directly onto the surface of the eye as contact lenses, or
surgically placed inside th eye. The natural lens inside the eye
bends the light as it passses through can change shape
(accommodate) in order to see objects at different distances. In
older age this lens can become stiff which results in the need for
reading glasses and is called presbyopia. In old age this lens can
become cloudy and is called a cataract which then requires removal
and replacement by a new lens.
LIMBUS
The visual borderline between the
clear window (cornea) and the white globe (sclera) of the eye. The
conjunctival layer which covers the globe also joins at the
limbus.
LOCAL ANAESTHETIC
Anaesthetic eye drops are
administered to the patient just before treatment and these
completely numb the eye during surgery. It can begin to wear off
after about an hour, when further medication is given is
necessary.
LONG SIGHT
This is the condition when long
sight is clearer then close up sight. Known as far sight in the
USA, it has the medical name Hyperopia. The lens of
the eye is too weak, corrected by a magnifying type lens. These
glasses will magnify small print. Also see HYPEROPIA
LOSS OF BEST CORRECTED VISUAL ACUITY - BCVA
A reduction in the best acuity a
patient can achieve wearing glasses, usually described in terms of
the number of lines on the snellen test eye chart a
patient has lost. If a patient's BCVA prior to surgery was 20:20
and after surgery is 20:40 the patient has lost three lines of
BCVA.
MA
Master of Arts - university
degree.
MACULAR
The small highly sensitive
area of the central retina which provides vision for reading and
fine detailed vision directly into the line of sight.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
An eye condition that can be
serious and affects the vision, which indicates a contra-indication
to treatment. The macula is an area of the retina responsible for
central vision. It is used to view objects straight ahead.
Degeneration results in a reduction in vision and, sometimes,
severe loss of visual acuity (sharpness). The cause is not
unknown but contributory factors could include nutrition, genetic
link, hypertension (glaucoma), smoking and excessive exposure to UV
rays.
MACULAR OEDEMA
The collection of fluid in and
under the macular portion of the retina causing swelling.
MAGNIFY
To focus light to a point, or use
a lens to enlarge an image. Glasses for long sighted people magnify
objects.
MAKE-UP
Make up must be removed before
treatment. It is advised that patients do not wear eye make up
until after the first after care visit.
MALARIA PILLS
If the patient is planning to
travel abroad, it is safest to leave treatment until at least three
weeks after the course of treatment for Malaria is complete as some
tablets would make the patient unsuitable. Chloroquine Phosphates -
leave deposits on the cornea, the patient will not be
suitable for treatment until a few weeks after the course is
finished. Taludrin pills which don’t leave deposits; and
suitability should not be affected.
MAXITROL
Steroidal anti-inflammatory
ointment sometimes issued to patients after treatment. If the
patient suspects an allergic reaction to the ointment they are
advised to stop using it and contact the clinic at their soonest
opportunity. The doctor or nurse can then advise. Steriods may
increase intra ocular presures, and these should be monitored on a
weekly basis or as advised by the doctor concerned.
MB
Bachelor of Medicine.
MBBS
Bachelor of Medicine and
Surgery.
MBChB
Bachelor of Medicine and
Surgery.
MBCO
Member of the British College of
Optometrists (Ophthalmic Opticians).
MD
Doctorate in Medicine.
MEIBOMIAN SECRETIANS
Oily secretions from the eyelid
glands that supply the outer portion of tear film prevent rapid
tear evaporation and tear overflow.
MICROKERATOME
A surgical device that is affixed
to the eye by use of a vacuum ring. When secured, a blade is used
to cut a flap on the cornea at a depth of about one
quarter of the corneas thickness. The flap is then
repositioned over the cornea after it has been lasered.
MICROMETRE
The term micrometer has replaced
the term micron which was used prior to 1967.
MICRON
One thousandth of a
millimetre.
MICROSTRAIE
Fold or wrinkles in the LASIK
flap and can cause loss of sharpness of vision.
MICROSURGERY
Surgery carried out while a
microscope to view the tissue being operated on. The term is often
used in refractive surgery to describe RK (Radial Keratotomy), the
surgical technique for correcting short sight where the surgeon
makes deep cuts into the cornea resembling the spokes of a wheel.
These cuts have same effect of flattening the cornea. It is
considered less accurate than laser and long term safety issues has
lead this type of treatment being abandoned in favour of
laser treatment worldwide. Optimax can, in some cases, treat people
who have undergone RK to improve their result.
MILD SHORT SIGHT
Short sight 0 to -3.00 dioptres
of short sight. Treatment is most predictable and there are fewer
complications experienced by patients who are in the mild
range.
MODERATE SHORT SIGHT
Short sight -3.25 to –6.00
dioptres of short sight.
MONOVISION
Vision with the use of only
eye for reading and the other eye for clear distance vision. Some
older patients who have one eye treated may find monovision an
distinct advantage in that they do not neeed glasses at all.
Monovision can take a very long time to get used to and
perseverance is necessary. It can be simulated using contact lenses
of the same strength as the intended laser correction.
MRCOphth
Member of the Royal College of
Ophthalmologists.
MscOphth
Master of Science in Ophthalmology.
MULTIFOCAL LENSES
These lenses are a type of ICL or Implantable Contact Lens. They
are implanted inside the eye and give a correction for both
distance and near vision, thus removing the need for reading
glasses.
MYOPIA
Medical term for short sight.
Myopia is hereditary and affects about 20% of the population. If
you are myopic, objects at a distance will appear blurred, while
objects nearby can be seen clearly. The eye being too long for its
focusing power causes the images to be out of focus on the
back of the (retina). Myopia can be succefully treated
with laser surgery by reducing the focusing power of the eye
(cornea) and severe cases can be treated using implantable contact
lenses.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
This condition can make it
difficult to treat the patient depending on how advanced it is.
Suitability is up to the doctor and during the consultation this
can be assessed and discussed with the patient. Any medication must
be noted at the time of booking and referred to the treating doctor
before the patient attends a consultation. Optimax has
successfully treated patients with this condition.
NASAL HINGE
A corneal flap where the uncut
portion left attached to the cornea (the hinge) is towards the
nose.
NAUSEA
Feeling of sickness and an urge
to vomit. This is not an unusual complaint in the first few days
after treatment. It can be a reaction to the painkillers. The
patient is advised to stop taking the tablets and substitute them
with their usual painkillers, (eg Paracetemol, ibroprophen
etc)
NEAR SIGHT
The American term for short
sight.
NEBULAS
Scars which are
translucent.
NEGATIVE POWER LENS
The shape of the lens used in
glasses or contact lenses for people suffering from short sight.
The lens is thinner in the middle than the outside. A negative
lense, diverges (bends outwards) light to compensate for the
over-bending by the eye’s natural lens, inside the eye. A minus
sign in front of your prescription indicates a negative lense if
you are short sighted.
NHS - NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
LASEK and LASIK are not available
on the NHS at present, unless for medical conditions or
research.
NOMOGRAM
A surgeon’s adjustment to the
laser’s computer calculation to further refine his or her own
results.
NON DOMINANT EYE
The non dominant eye is the eye which is left short sighted when
Monovision is chosen. The dominant eye is the one most used for
distance, i.e the one used to aim a gun.
N.S.A.I.D.
Abbreviation for non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs.
NYSTAGMUS
This is the involuntary constant
jerking movement of the eye. People with nystagmus are not
usually suitable for laser treatment.
OBSESSIVE NATURE
Persons who become fixated on one
idea to the point of obsession do not make good candidates for
laser treatment as perfect results are not guarenteed.
OCCUPATIONAL RESTRICTIONS
Patients should consider their
occupation carefully before deciding on having treatment. It is the
patient’s responsibility to ensure that their employer (or
potential employer) will accept a candidate who has undergone Laser
surgery. This often applies to the Police, Fire Brigade and the
Armed Forces as they have very strict regulations governing visual
performance. Some organisations will not employ people who have had
laser treatment. If the patient depends on good sight for their
occupation e.g. lorry drivers and pilots, they should carefully
consider all the risks associated with laser surgery.
OCULAR
Relating to the eye. Oculus is
Latin for eye.
OCULAR HYPERTENSION (GLAUCOMA)
See INTRA OCULAR PRESSURE
O/D
Right eye, abbreviated from the
Latin: Oculus Dextra.
OEDEMA
Swelling.
OMP.
Abbreviation for Ophthalmic
Medical Practitioner. A qualified doctor specialising in eye
care.
OO
Abbreviation for Ophthalmic
Optician (American word equivalent to Optometrist).
OPD (Optimised Path Difference) SCAN
The Nidek system that combines
Wavefront analysis with corneal topography to map the aberrations
of the entire optical system. 8,000 points of light are measured as
they pass through the eye. Any minute deviation of the light (path
difference) is used to calculate a personalized laser beam profile
used to correct these imperfections. The result is that better
sharpness of vision can be achieved than with glasses. This is
mainly used where glasses can not give perfect vision.
OPEN DAYS
Optimax holds open days at all
our clinics each month. Those interested in vision correction
surgery visit the clinic and have a free assessment.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
A specialist doctor studying the
eye and its diseases. Most of our treating doctors are
Ophthalmologists and are either Members or Fellows of the Royal
College Of Ophthalmology.
OPTIC NERVE
The millions of optical nerve
fibres connecting to the eye to the brain and in the brain where
images are processed.
OPTICAL
Relating to the eye or to the
passage of light through lenses.
OPTICAL ZONE
Centre of the eye (cornea)
through which light passes to the retina.
OPTICIAN
A general name used to refer to a
person selling glasses. When the person is qualified to perform eye
tests he is called an Optomotrist.
OPTICIAN NETWORK
Optimax has a network of
experienced opticians and it is possible to arrange for check ups
to be carried out more locally if the patient preferes not to
travel back to Optimax. LASIK patients need to return to
Optimax for their one day after care visit in our network.
Opticians in our network are not employed by Optimax and will
charge their normal fees direct to the patient.
OPTOMETRIST
A modern name for an Ophthalmic
Optician. See OPTICIAN
ORBSCAN
An instrument used for corneal
mapping (topography). It analyses the eye’s surface including
corneal thickness and keratometry-curcature readings. OS left eye,
abbreviation from Latin: Oculus Sinestra.
OTC
Over the counter drugs available
from a chemist without prescription.
OVERCORRECTION
A complication of refractive
surgery where the achieved amount of correction is more than
desired, usually reversible.
PARTIALLY SIGHTED
Significant reduction in vision,
not correctable with spectacles or contact lenses, but at a level
where the person is not yet registered blind. Lasers cannot help
the partially sighted.
PACHYMETER
Instrument used to measure the
corneal thickness (in microns). Patients need sufficient corneal
thickness to allow safe removal of tissue. People with thin corneas
are usually suitable for LASEK or Implantable Contact
Lenses.
PAIN
The treatment itself is pain
free, although some patients find a small amount of discomfort from
the eye clamp. After LASEK most patients feel some pain and
grittiness for a day or so, but this is helped with
painkillers given at the time of treatment.
Occasional severe pain is experienced which passes after 12 to 24
hours. LASIK patients rarely experience pain after treatment, but
there have been some reports of headaches for the first few
days.
PATIENT (Px)
Optimax only refers to people as
patients once they have undergone treatment. Px is a symbol used
for patients.
PERIPHERAL VISION
The ability to see or be aware of
objects and movement outside one’s direct line of vision.
Peripheral vision can be damaged by prolonged raised interenal eye
pressure (glaucoma).
PERMANENT
As measured over ten years,
indications are that reversal of the effects of laser do not occur.
However, treatment cannot prevent the natural changes that occur
with the eye and for this reason we wait until the patient’s
eyesight appears to be stable.
PHACO EMULSIFICA-TION
The most advanced type of
cataract surgery. Most cataract surgeries today are performed using
phacoemulsification, a procedure in which the lens with the
cataract is broken up by ultrasound, liquified, and suctioned out.
The word ‘phako’ in Greek for lens. When the cataract lens is
removed it is replaced with an artificial one which has correct
strengh to enable good vision.
PHAKIC
Meaning that the natural
crystalline lens of the eye left in place.
PHAKIC IOL
This is a tiny plastic lens that
is placed inside the eye in front of the natural crystalline lens
to provide additional refractive change. A lens is placed
eiimmediately behind or in front of the iris.
PHOROPTER HEAD
An optical instrument containing
many lenses that are used to determine the power of glasses or
refractive error. This instrament greatly increase the speed of the
eye test.
PHOTOABLATION
The cold process of tissue
removal which occurs with laser radiation. Ultra violet light is so
powerful that the molecular bonds of the target tissue are bronken
apart causing ablation. Microscopic pictures show incredibly
precise cuts with no evidence of tissue burning in adjacent
cells.
PHOTOPHOBIA
Unusual sensitivity to light. It
can be a side effect of laser treatment, in the initial
few months of treatment.
PILOTS
The Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA) does not recommend eye surgery for certification purposes.
Patients who are considering a career in this field must
investigate the current regulations and recommendations before
proceeding with laser surgery.
PINGUECULA
A yellowish spot seen on the
white of the eye at the junction of the clear cornea and white
sclera of the eye. These lesions are usually caused by over
exposure to sunlight (UV radiation). The white surface of the eye
cannot “tan” and therefore cannot protect itself from
sunburn.
PITUITARY GLAND
TUMOR
PLANO
Plain glass lens (no
prescription).
POLICE
The current sight requirements to
enter the police force depend on the constabulary. The minimum
sight requirement is 20:20 (6:6 in
metric) vision with binocular vision, but not all
constabularies will accept applicants who have had laser treatment.
Patients are advised that they are to take responsibility for
finding out the regulations that apply to them if they are
considering this type of career.
PRED FORTE
Corticosteroid eye drop used to
reduce corneal haze and regulate healing response after LASEK.
Regular pressure checks are required to ensure the patient
does not have raised internal eye pressures.
PREDSOL-N
Steroid drops. See
above
PREGNANCY
Women should not be treated
during pregnancy or while they are breast-feeding. They are advised
to wait until three months afterwards. The pain relief given is not
usually suitable during pregnancy and the eyes can also change
during and after pregnancy meaning that the vision can alter
slightly. Optimax cannot treat any patient unless their vision is
stable.
PRESBYOPIA
The need for reading glasses
which comes with age. Reading Glasses are needed by virtually
everyone on reaching middle age. Age related changes occur
within the lens, making the lens harder and less
elastic. This means the muscles in the eye are no longer able
to flex the lens as effectively resulting in the eye being unable
to focus clearly on objects close up. If the patient has a reading
addition in their glasses prescription and they are suitable
for treatment, they must be aware that even with a good result the
need for reading glasses will still apply immediately after
treatment. Monovision can be a good compromise to avoid the need
for reading glasses.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Drugs only available with a
prescription from a qualified doctor.
PRISM
A lens to correct a slight
squint. An additional centring of the lens in glasses, usually for
patients with double vision caused by a squint. A likely
contra-indication to treatment. However if the patient is happy
with their sight with contact lenses they are probably suitable for
laser treatment.
PRK (PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY)
Treatment for short sight using
the Excimer Laser. The laser is set to the correction required for
each eye. PRK was used at Optimax from 1992 - 1999 whn it is
combined with epiflap is known as Epi-LAKEK.
PROTOCOLS
Rules setting out our
proceedures. Guidelines or rules. Medical protocols are set down to
maintain high standards and safe procedures throughout the company.
A register of up to date protocols is maintained by
Optimax Head Office.
PTYGERIA
A growth of scar tissue on the
cornea. These lesions like pinguecula are caused by an ultraviolet
burn to the surface layer or epithelium. You will not be suitable
if in the area of the scar is the proposed treatment.
PTK (PHOTOTHERAPEUTIC KERATECTOMY)
The use of the Excimer laser to
treat eye problems such as pronounced haze. Not surgery for short
sight.
PTOSIS
The medical name for droopy
eyelid. It can be a temporary side effect after laser
treatment. It is thought to be due to the ‘eye clamp’ pulling
the eyelid muscles to hold the eye open. Is rarely a
permanent but can be surgically corrected is necessary.
PUNCTUM
Tear drains located in the upper
and lower eyelids in the corners of the eye lids towards the
nose.
PUNCTAL PLUGS
Small silicone or plastic plugs
that are inserted into any or all of the punctum to prevent tears
from draining. Punctal plugs are used in the treatment of dry
eyes.
PUPIL
A hole in the centre of the iris that changes size in response
to changes in lighting. It gets larger in dim lighting conditions
and gets smaller in brighter lighting conditions.
PUPIL IRREGULARITY
Pupil irregularity is not usually
a bar to laser eye treatment.
PUPILOMETER
Instrument which measures the
size of the pupil.
PUPIL SIZE
Large pupils can be greater then the laser eye laser treatment
area and this can cause night time vision problems. The maximum
width of the pupil (dilated) in subdued lighting is an important
measurement, as it will determine the laser beam size needed for
treatment. The Nidek laser beam can expand up to 9mm enabling us to
treat most patients.
RADIAL KERATOTOMY
See RK
READING GLASSES
Needed by virtually everyone
after they reach middle age. This is because the muscles in the eye
slowly become stiffer and is no longer able to focus clearly on
objects very close up. The need is medically known
as PRESBYOPIA
REFRACTION
Also known as prescription. The
measurement of the power of a lens needed to bend light rays
sufficiently to cause the image to be focussed onto the
retina. The symbol for this is Rx, the prescription for
glasses.
REFRACTIVE
Bending light caused
by lenses e.g. glasses, contact lenses etc makes images focus
correctly on the retina.
REFRACTIVE CORRECTION
This is the process of correcting refractive errors. There are
many different forms of refractive correction, such as spectacles,
contact lenses, surgical and non surgical laser procedures and also
non laser correction procedures such as CK.
REFRACTIVE ERROR
Short sight long sight and
astigmatism are all refractive errors which mean that light is not
focussed correctly onto the retina, causing images to blur.
REFRACTIVE POWER
The strengh of a lens to bend
light as it passes through it.
REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Any surgical procedure that
attempts to decrease or remove the patient’s need for glasses.
Usually the surgeon alters the shape of the cornea in order to
change the focussing power of the eye.
REGISTERED NURSE
Nurse who is registered with the
government to perform certain levels of care.
REGISTRATION
Optimax is registered with
the Healthcare Commission as of April 2004. Prior to this
we were registered with the Local Health Authorities. All laser eye
treatment establishments and doctors have to be registered.
REGRESSION
Patients can regress after
treatment. Occasionally, they can revert back to the pre-treatment
prescription. This is not predictable and depending on the level of
regression, the patient can have a re-treatment once the sight is
stable.
REGROWTH
Natural replacement of
tissue.
REGULAR ASTIGMATISM
A refractive error caused
by the shape of the cornea, being like a rugby
ball insead of a football shape. It is called regular
when shape is symmetrical across the centre of the eye. Regular
astigmatism is treatable by laser. Astigmatism casues distortion of
sight at all distances.
RETINA
Light sensitive membrane at the
back of the eye. Light is focused onto the retina and is then
transmitted to the brain as impulses via the optic nerve. The brain
interprets these impulses into images.
RETINAL DETACHMENT
Damage to this thin membrane can
occur as a result of an eye or head injury, but there can also be a
genetic link to retinal disease. Very high short sight (myopia)
can occassionaly ‘stretch’ the retina and lead to
detachment. This is a separation of the retina from the outer
layers of the eye. It can occasionally cause symptoms such as
floaters (though these are not necessarily an indication of
detachment) or bright flashes of light in the peripheral
vision. This can usually be successfully treated if
detected early
RETINAL HOLES AND TEARS
If these are properly treated and
heal normally, they will not prevent laser eye treatment.
RE-TREATMENT
In some cases it may be necessary
to perform a re-treatment to improve a result. This should always
be discussed with the treating doctor prior to booking. See the
information pack for the current re-treatment charges.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Connective tissue disorder. This
disease fights the body’s own tissue and can cause the eyes to
swell, much the same way as the joints. A bar
(contra-indication) to laser laser treatment.
RISKS
All surgical procedures carry
risks and laser treatment is not risk free. Patients will be
fully informed of all known risks and side effects before signing
the Consent form. If there is any doubt as to their acceptance of
such risks, the patient will be advised give the matter
further consideration before treatment. See COMPLICATIONS
RK (RADIAL KERATOTOMY)
RK is the surgical technique for
correcting short sight made famous by the Russian touring ship. The
surgeon makes deep cuts using a diamond tipped knife, into the
cornea, like the spokes of a wheel. This has the effect
of flattening the cornea. However, it is considered to be
less safe and less accurate as laser treatment. RK is also
known as Microsurgery.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF OPHTHALMOLOGISTS (RCO)
Official body which authorises
Ophthalmologists to practice. Optimax treating doctors are usually
members or fellows of the RCO.
SAFETY
As a result of excellent research
combined with low incidence of side effects, laser treatment has
been adopted worldwide as a safe effective alternative to glasses
and contact lenses. Treatment however is a surgical
proceedure and carry risks of complications and long term side
effects as outlined in the consent forms.
SANDS OF SAHARA SYNDROME (SOSS)
Inflammation underneath the
corneal flap after LASIK. Not an inflection known by it's latin
name of DLK - Diffuse Lamela Keratitis - and can
effectively treated with high doses of steroids.
SCLERA
The firm white fibrous membrane
that forms the white part of the eye.
SCUBA - DIVING
Patients should not scuba-dive
for at least two weeks after treatment. Patients must
always check with the optometrist at the time of their check up as
to suitablility of sporting activites.
SECONDARY PUNCTATE
This is a staining of the surface
of the eye which could result as a side effect from contact lens
use. It will depend on the consultation with the doctor as to
whether the patient is suitable for treatment.
SHO
Senior House Officer.
SEVERE ECZAMA
SEVERE SHORTSIGHT
Dioptres of -6.00 or above.
Generally, the higher the prescription, the higher risk of
complications. Patients must be aware that they may still need to
wear glasses after treatment, though the prescription may be much
reduced. Most patients over -6.00 dioptres will be more suitable
for LASIK as this is more successful than Lasek for higher
prescriptions. Optimax offers ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses) for
very severe short sight if above -5 to -23.
SHORT SIGHT
The distortion of sight because
the eye is too long for its focusing power. The laser corrects this
by reducing the curvature of the cornea which enables light to
reach the retina at the back of the eye. The short-sighted eye
bends light too much and focuses the image in front of the retina.
To reduce this ‘over bending’ a negative lens distorts the light
before it gets into the eye and so the light can be focused on to
the retina.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects are the unwanted
effects of treatment. Some side effects usually resolve themselves
when the treatment or the medication is stopped.
SLIT LAMP
A microscope used to study the
eye using a narrow beam of light. Used to rule out any significant
corneal abnormalities such as scarring or the presence of a
cataract.
SNELLEN LINE
A line of same-sized letters on
an eye chart that is used to test a patient’s vision.
SNELLEN VISUAL ACUITY CHART
Mr Snellen was the scientist who
invented the eye test measurment and chart in 1862 . This
eye chart that measures how well a person sees at various levels of
correction with glasses.
SOFT CONTACT LENSES
These should be removed before
the laser treatment and the consultation for at least seven
days. Lenses can affect the surface of the eye. We require the most
accurate refraction when the patient attends with a view to
treatment. If the lenses are not left out of the eye for long
enough, treatment can be postponed.
SOLPADOL
Pain relief tablets containing
500mg Paracetemol and 30mg Codeine, side effects include nausea,
light-headedness, constipation, dry mouth and blurred vision. Often
prescribed to patients after Epiflap (LASEK).
SpR - SPECIALIST REGISTRAR
The progression from SHO. This is
higher specialist training and lasts four and a half years.
SPECULUM
A small clamp which is used to
keep the eyelid open during treatment. It is pain free, although
some people feel it is a little uncomfortable to begin with but can
cause the eyelids to swell and cause droopy eyelids for a short
period after removal.
SPHERE (SPH)
Measurement of distance vision
correctable by a round (spherical) lens as opposed to a cylindrical
lens. Measured in dioptres. A minus sign in the box means the
patient is short sighted and a plus sign in the box indicates long
sight.
SPECIALIST
A person who concentrates on a
particular medical procedure. Our doctors are all specialists in
Ophthalmology and refractive surgery in paticular.
SPORTS
Patients should expect to resume
normal sporting activity after the first week check up, but the
doctor should always confirm this. Patients who partake in contact
sports and swimming should wait until the eye is completely
healed.
SQINT
It is more common in childhood
and a childhood history does not make a patient unsuitable for
treatment. However, squints in adults may indicate that the eyes
are not working properly together and may be a contra-indication to
surgery. This would need to be assessed during the consultation by
the doctor. A person who can tollerate contact lenses can usually
be treated.
STABLE EYESIGHT
Laser eye treatment is only given
to those people whose eye sight has stopped changing. Otherwise the
benefit of treatment will be slowly lost. If a patient’s
prescription has changed by 1 dioptre or more over two years, the
sight is not considered stable. Most people have stable eyesight by
the time they are reach their early 20’s. Patients should be able
to demonstrate that their prescription is stable by providing
prescriptions dating over the last two years which show little
(1/2d) or no change.
STARBURSTS
A known complication of refractive
surgery that causes images from bright light sources to blur with
spikes radiating out from the centre. Starbursts can can also occur
naturally or with contact lenses.
STICKY EYE LIDS
If the eyelids are sticky you
should gently wipe them with a piece of cotton wool soaked
in cool boiled water, then dry the eye with a soft clean
tissue. Do not use Optrex or any other cleansing agent in the
first few weeks after treatment.
STINGING EYE
Patients who have had LASEK may
notice that after the first 12-24 hours the eye may start to feel
gritty or sore. This should gradually improve over the next two to
four days but it can sometimes persist. The patient should try to
avoid rubbing the eye as much as possible and rest in a darkened
room. If concerned, speak to the doctor or optometrist.
STEROID EYE DROPS
Steroid drops are sometimes
prescribed to slow down the healing process if patients are healing
‘too much’. These drops are not often prescribed, but when they
are, patients should have a check up every four weeks to monitor
IOP. Also see FML
STRABISMUS
This can also be referred to as
‘cross eyes’ and is a condition where the two eyes are not properly
aligned. One of the eyes may be turned in or out. Vision is
significantly impaired by this misalignment and this condition can
also lead to a lazy eye. It is usually a contra-indication to
treatment patients who are happy with their sight with contact
lenses can be considered for laser treatment.
STROMA
The middle, thickest layer of
tissue in the cornea. The stroma is lasered to change its
refractive power (lens strengh).
STYE (chalazion)
This is a small lump on the inner
or outer surface of the eyelid caused by an inflammatory reaction
to a blocked secreting gland in the eyelid. Patients are advised to
wait until the inflammation has cleared before undergoing
vision laser treatment.
SUNBEDS AND LASER TREATMENT
Patients are advised against use
of sun beds for at least one month after treatment. It is thought
that UV rays can affect the healing process and in some patients it
could be a contributory factor to regression.
SUNGLASSES
Patients are advised to wear UV
protective sunglasses in bright daylight and hot climates for
three months after treatment.
SWIMMING
Patients are advised to avoid
swimming for at least two weeks after treatment due to
the risk of infection and irritation. LASIK patients are advised to
avoid any contact sports for at least three months.
SWOLLEN EYE LIDS
The eyelids may be swollen or
puffy after treatment and the eye may be sensitive. This is normal
and may take a few weeks to improve. Patients should discuss with
the doctor any side effects that they are concerned about during
the aftercare appointments.
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)
A chronic inflammatory autoimmune
disorder. It may affect many organ systems including the skin. SLE
is a bar (contra indication) to laser treamtmet.
T-CUT (AK)
This miscrosurgical procedure is
performed in order to reduce astigmatism following laser refractive
surgery. It is only suitable for a certain range of astigmatism
that is combined with low amounts of hyperopia (long-sightedness).
Also known as astigmatic keratectectomy.
TARGET LIGHT
A small green light on the
laser which you stare at during treatment.
TEAR FILM
A very thin film of
watery nutrients covering the epithelium that lubricates the
front of the eye.
TECHNOLAS
A make of excimer laser most
commonly installed in Europe.
TEMAZEPAM
Sleeping pills given to some
patients after treatment to help them sleep through the first
day.
TESTIMONIALS
Stories from Optimax
patients on their treatment journey and how Laser Eye Surgery
has affected their lives can be found in
the treatment section of this website.
TONOMETER
Equipment used to test the
internal fluid pressure inside the eye (IOP). A puff Ionument
is an instrument can be used without touching the eye by blowing a
small puff of air into the eye.
TOPICAL PROPARACIN HYDROCHLORIDE
Anaesthetic eye drops.
TOPICAL STEROID
A steroid drug applied topically
locally as opposed to being swallowed.
TOPOGRAPHY
Mapping a surface of the
eye used to determine the corneal profile and it's suitability
for laser treatment.
TORIC LENS
Special contact lenses for people
who require astigmatism correction. Contact lenses
affect the shape of the eye will need to be removed prior to
consultation and treatment for laser treatment. One week for soft
lenses, three weeks for hard lenses or GP lenses.
TRANSITION ZONE
The area of laser ablation that
changes for the full correction of the central ablation zone
optical ablation zone to the original surface depth of the
cornea.
TROPICOMIDE
Drops which dilate the pupil.
Used in some cases during the eye examination to see the back of
the eye. When Tropicomide drops are administered, the pupil takes
some time recover. This can take up to 24 hours and the vision
can be blurry during this time. Patients should not drive
immediately after having these drops administered. They should
ensure that their vision is back to normal before attempting to
drive.
TWENTY-TWENTY
The name for normal sight. The
measurement of what you can see at twenty feet compared to what
normal sighted people see at twenty feet. The metric
equivalent is six metres over six metres -6/6.
Either of these fractions (ratios) can be converted into a
number i.e. 20/20 =1.00. Optimax uses 1.00 to represent normal
sight. Fighter pilots need better than normal sight and their
vision can be as good as (20/10)=2. If they can see at twenty
feet what normal sighted people can only see at ten feet. Twice as
good sight as normal peoplewith 20:20 vision.
UCVA
Uncorrected Visual Acuity. This
is the best vision measurement taken without the use of glasses or
contact lenses.
ULCER
Ulcers need to be healed prior to
laser surgery. See CORNEAL ULCER
UNAIDED VISION
Unaided sight is the vision
achieved without correction by glasses or contact lenses.
UNDER-CORRECTION
A complication of refractive
surgery where the achieved amount of correction is less than
desired.
UNILATERAL
Treatment to only one eye.
UVEA
Part of the eye consisting of the
iris, ciliary body and choroid below the surface of the cornea, the
pupil etc.
UVEITIS
Inflammation of the uvea.
VACCINATIONS
Patients should not have
vaccinations within a few days either side of their treatment as
they could react with the medication given afterwards such as pain
relief.
VARIFOCALS
Glasses that incorporate an
addition for reading as well as a distance prescription. People
with varifocal lenses will require reading glasses after laser
treatment unless they consider mono vision, or prelex implantable
contact lenses.
VERTIGO
Dizziness can be as a result of
imbalance if one eye has been treated.
VIRAL INFECTION
An infection caused by a virus.
If the patient has a viral infection of the eye they will need to
inform. Laser treatment should be postponed to when the eye is free
of infection.
VISUAL ACUITY
Clarity of vision-sharpness as
measured in the snellen eye test chart. See our statistics vhart to
which show the effect of laser treatment on V.A.
VITREOUS HUMOR
The transparent colourless mass
of gel that lies behind the lens and in front of the retina and
fills the centre of the eyeball.
WATERY EYES
Eyes that water
excessively.
WAVEFRONT
New technology
enabling customized treatment for smoother and more
accurate results, for those with damaged or irregular patterns on
the eyes surface .
WAVEFRONT ABERROMETER
A diagnostic instrument, The
results programme used to measure the waves of light as they
pass through the eye. Laser for a Wavefront customised laser
treatment.
WIDE PUPIL
Up to a week after the treatment
the pupil in the treated eye can be wider than normal due to
drops administered at the end of treatment. This settles down and
goes back to normal after a few days.
ZERNIKE POLYNOMIAL
Zernike Polynomials are
mathematical models of optical aberrations measured with
Wavefront technology.
ZYDOL
Pain relief tablets given after
treatment to be taken as needed in accordance with the instructions
on the packet. Each tablet contains 50mg of Tramodol. Side effects
include nausea, light-headedness, skin irritation, constipation and
dry mouth.