Glossary of All Eye & Vision Conditions

Glossary of eye and vision conditions with links to descriptions, photos, and additional information.

Why Choose Optometry?

Looking for a dynamic and challenging career which allows you to help people, achieve personal growth, community respect, job flexibility and financial success and offers virtually unlimited opportunities? Consider optometry! As primary eye care providers, doctors of optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eyes and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.

Flashes and Floaters

Flashes and floaters describes a condition that comes from changes in the back chamber of the eye (the posterior chamber, also known as the vitreous cavity). The posterior chamber is filled with a material called vitreous (the vitreous body) which, at birth, is jelly-like in consistency. With normal aging, the vitreous begins to break down into a mixture of clear liquid and pieces of debris, which appear as specks of dust, lint, lines, branching twigs, or spiders.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Eye Disorders

Eye symptoms may involve changes in vision, changes in the appearance of the eye, or an abnormal sensation in the eye. Eye symptoms typically develop as a result of a problem in the eye but occasionally indicate a problem elsewhere in the body. For example, changes in vision may indicate a problem in the brain. Sometimes eye symptoms develop as part of an illness that affects several organ systems.

Common Eye Myths

It's important to separate fact from fiction, especially when the topic is eyesight. Knowing how to take good care of your eyes is the first step to protecting your sight for a lifetime.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common source of discomfort. Treatment of dry eyes aims to restore a more normal tear film to minimize your dryness, blurred vision and discomfort.

Eyelid and Orbital Tumors

A tumor is an abnormal growth of any tissue. Any part of the eye or eye socket may be affected.