GLOSSARY
ARGON LASER An
ophthalmic instrument which generates highly focused and amplified
light energy, used in the treatment of several ophthalmic diseases,
including diabetic retinopathy and macular
degeneration.
CMV
Cytomegalovirus, a common virus which may infect the retina in
immunocompromised individuals.
CRYOPEXY
Creating a retinal adhesion using a freezing probe in the repair of
retinal tears and detachments.
DIABETES
A metabolic disease which impairs the body's ability to control the
use and storage of sugar.
DIABETIC
RETINOPATHY The diseased condition of the retinal blood vessels
associated with diabetes.
EDEMA
Accumulation of fluid within a body
tissue.
FLASHES
Momentary light flashes in the eye that may resemble sparks or
lightning. This is always a significant
symptom.
FLOATERS
Moving opacities in the vitreous that may appear as spots, cobwebs
or threads in the vision.
FLUORESCEIN
ANGIOGRAPHY A specialized diagnostic technique in which a
fluorescent dye is injected intravenously and photographed in a
rapid sequence as it courses through the blood vessels of the
retina.
HEMORRHAGE
Leakage of blood across damaged blood vessel
walls.
MACULA
The small central area of the retina responsible for sharpest
vision.
MACULAR
DEGENERATION Decreased functioning of the central retina, usually
age-related, that causes difficulty with central vision such as
reading.
NEOVASCULARIZATION
Abnormal proliferation of new blood vessels in an attempt to
nourish tissues deprived of adequate
oxygen.
PHOTOCOAGULATION
Heat cauterization of tissues resulting from absorbtion of focused
laser light.
PROLIFERATIVE
RETINOPATHY An advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy characterized
by the appearance of neovascularization of the
retina.
RETINA
The light-sensitive membrane which lines the back of the eye,
similar to the film in a camera.
RETINAL
DETACHMENT A separation of the light sensitive retina from its
support in the eye, resulting in loss of vision. Immediate
treatment is usually indicated.
RETINAL
TEAR A tear, rip, or hole in the retina that may lead to retinal
detachment.
SCLERAL
BUCKLE One type of surgery to repair a retinal detachment. See also
vitrectomy.
VITREOUS
(GEL) The colorless, transparent jelly-like material which fills
the hollow interior of the eye.
VITRECTOMY
Surgery to remove the vitreous gel, which may be filled with blood
or scar tissue, or to aid in the repair of retinal
detachment
DIABETIC EYE CENTER of New York
Gary M Glickman MD PC Ophthalmology Diseases and Surgery of the Retina
