Glaucoma Glossary
Anterior chamber
The space in the front portion of the eye between the cornea and the iris. The space is filled with a clear fluid.
Cataract
A clouding of the lens. People with cataract see through a haze. Cataract surgery, in which the cloudy lens is replaced with a plastic lens, is usually safe and successful.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which blood sugar levels are above normal. Complications may lead to vision loss.
Dilated eye exam
An eye examination where drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. The eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your closeup vision may remain blurred for several hours.
Eye care professional
An optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Glaucoma
A group of eye diseases in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, leading to vision loss or even blindness.
Laser trabeculoplasty
A surgical procedure that helps open up the drainage angle to allow more fluid to pass out of the eye.
Optic nerve
Largest sensory nerve of the eye; carries impulses for sight from the retina to the brain.
