Glossary of Terms
Diabetic Retinopathy -- A complication of diabetes, due to high blood sugar levels, that causes damage to the vessels that supply blood to the back of the eye. The damaged vessels leak blood into the gel-like substance (vitreous) that fills the eye, resulting in clouded vision and potential blindness. All individuals with diabetes should have annual dilated eye exams with their eye care professional. All Doctors Vision Center optometrists and ophthalmologists are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye disease.
Macular Degeneration -- Macular degeneration is a medical condition that causes light-sensing cells in the center of the retina (macula) to deteriorate, potentially leading to blindness. There are two forms of the disease: "wet" and "dry". In the "wet" form, the deterioration is due to leaking blood vessels. In its "dry" form, macular degeneration is characterized by a build up of debris on the macula that can slowly lead to vision loss. Dr. Brownlow utilizes cutting-edge technology and the most up to date treatment for both forms of macular degeneration.
Macular Hole -- A macular hole is almost always a spontaneous development that occurs predominantly in women. The development of a macular hole progresses through several stages, and with each progressive stage the vision may worsen. The vitreous gel inside the eye is firmly attached to the macula. With age, the vitreous becomes thinner and separates from the retina. Sometimes this creates traction on the macula, causing a hole to form.
Ophthalmologist -- A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye. Doctors Vision Center has a staff of highly qualified and fellowship trained ophthalmologists who specialize in treating a wide variety of eye conditions. When specialized care is necessary, your Doctors Vision Center Optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist for surgery or other treatment.
Optometrist -- A Doctor of Optometry (OD) is an eye care specialist who has graduated from college and then completed four years of specialized study in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye and visual system. An optometrist can conduct eye exams, prescribe medications, glasses, and contact lenses, treat non-surgical eye disease, and participate in both preoperative and postoperative surgical care.
Retina -- The nerve layer that lines the back of the eye and can be compared to the film within a camera. The retina captures the information conveyed by light rays and transmits them via the optic nerve to the brain. The brain then interprets the signal from the retina as a "picture".
Retinal Detachment -- A condition in which the retina separates from the back of the eye. A retinal detachment is a vision-threatening condition that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. Symptoms of a retinal detachment are visual disturbances that may manifest as flashes of light or the appearance of a "curtain" coming down over the eye and blocking a portion of the patient's vision.
Vitreous -- The thick, jelly-like substance that fills the human eye behind the lens and gives the eye its natural rounded shape. Occasionally, this gel becomes clouded due to bleeding or injury, and must be removed by an ophthalmologist. This surgical removal is called a vitrectomy.
Vitreous Hemorrhage -- A condition in which blood seeps into the gel-like fluid that fills the cavity of the eye. This bleeding may be caused by disease or injury, and may be significant enough to prevent adequate light from reaching the retina, causing decreased or clouded vision. If you are diagnosed with a vitreous hemorrhage, your physician may determine that the fluid within the eye needs to be removed (vitrectomy) and replaced with a suitable substitute.
