Glossary A-C, from AMD to cryocoagulation

AMD
age-related => macular degeneration

astigmatism (irregular)
irregular refraction defect of the eye due to an asymmetrical deformation of the cornea, which cannot be corrected by glasses, however, sometimes by (hard) contact lenses; causes: corneal dystrophies, inflammations and injuries; also the possible effect of an excimer laser treatment.

basalioma
frequently ocurring tumour of the face, especially of the eyelids; locally destroying growth, therefore always in need of therapy, but no formation of metastases.
 
blepharitis
inflammation of the eyelids, mostly caused by bacteria, often in conjunction with a »dry eye«.

cataract
opacification of the lens of the eye resulting in blurred vision and / or an increased glare sensitivity; to be remedied only by an operation.
 
chemical burns
mostly painful injury of the cornea caused by chemicals squirted in the eye; immediate and thorough rinsing of the eyes! Lye burns are especially dangerous, particularly in case of slaked lime. An ophthalmological treatment is absolutely necessary.
 
ciliary body
ring-like structure lying behind the iris which holds the natural lense in its position and, at the same time, ensures a stable intraocular pressure by producing the eye water.

corneal erosion
mostly very painful graze of the corneal surface accompanied by an intense foreign-body feeling; as a rule, it is healed up in a few days' time.
 
corneal erosion, recurrent
corneal erosion, mostly caused by a surface injury with a pointed (palm leaf) or sharp-edged (edge of a paper sheet) object which does not heal up completely and breaks up every now and then spontaneously; it is rarely the consequence of a congenital corneal dystrophy.
 
corneal foreign body
mostly painful, albeit superficial inclusion of a foreign body in the cornea; in case of certain kinds of accidents (e.g. hammer on chisel), there is the risk of a corneal perforation by the foreign body; therefore, at any rate, an ophthalmological treatment is necessary.
 
cryocoagulation
freezing of the retina for the treatment of severe disorders (e.g. in diabetic retinopathy) or of retinal breaks (e.g. in case of a retinal detachment); the freezing of the ciliary body is also possible in case of a glaucoma which cannot be corrected in a different way.