Accommodation
The ability of the natural crystalline lens to adjust and
- with the natural contractions of the muscle in the eye - focus on
objects through a range of near, intermediate and far
distances.
Accommodating intra-ocular lens
As with the natural lens, an accommodating lens moves and
flexes, in response to ciliary muscle contractions in the eye.
These contractions drive forward movements of the lens so the eye
can maintain a clear image as it focuses on near, intermediate and
far objects.
Crystalens® is the first and only accommodating lens
approved by the FDA.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (pronounced
mak-you-lar dee-jen-er-ei-shun) (AMD)
An eye condition in which the centre of the retina (the macula)
is slowly damaged, affecting central vision.
Amsler Grid
A chart of grid lines and a central dot used to find and check
problems with central vision.
Antioxidants
The nutrients that neutralise and deactivate free radicals.
Aspheric
In relation to spectacles and contact lenses refers to the
shape/design of the lenses; not quite spherical. Aspheric
spectacle lenses are popular among people who have strong
prescriptions because they are thin and lightweight, and reduce
distortion and eye magnification.
Aspheric contact lenses can enhance optical design that creates
crisp, sharp vision beyond what you are likely used to -designed to
reduce halos and glare - especially at night and in low light.
Astigmatism
A condition in which the cornea is irregularly shaped, which
prevents light rays from focusing so that near and distant objects
appear blurred or distorted. Glasses and toric contact lenses (gas
permeable and soft lenses) can correct astigmatism.
Cataracts
A clouding of the lens inside the eye so that light cannot get
through to the retina.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, characterized by a pink eye.
The cause is either infectious or allergic, though the term "pink
eye" is commonly used for any type of conjunctivitis. Other
symptoms include burning, discharge, dryness, itching, light
sensitivity, eye pain or discomfort, stickiness and tearing.
Cornea
The outer, transparent, dome-like structure that covers the
eye's iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Part of the eye's focusing
system that transmits and focuses light into the eye.
Crystalline lens
The transparent, double convex (outward curve on both sides)
structure behind the iris. The lens of the eye helps to focus light
rays onto the retina.
Daily Wear Contact Lenses
Contact lenses that are worn during waking hours but removed at
the end of each day for cleaning and disinfecting.
Diopter
Unit of measure for the refractive (light-bending) power of a
lens; eye care practitioners use it in eyeglass and contact lens
prescriptions. A negative number refers to nearsightedness; a
positive number, farsightedness. For example, someone with -8.00
diopter lenses is very nearsighted, while someone with +0.75
diopter lenses is only slightly farsighted.
Disposable Contact Lenses
Disposable lenses refer to the replacement frequency of the
contact lenses. This can range from daily disposable,
designed for single use and then discard or disposable lenses which
are worn on a daily basis and then cleaned daily between use and
then discarded upon Eye Care Professional's advice, often 2 weekly
or monthly
Dk/t
Dk/t is a measurement used to quantify the amount of oxygen that
is transmitted through the contact lens. The higher the Dk/t
value; the higher the amount of oxygen transmitted through the
lens.
Extended Wear Contact Lenses
Contact lenses that have been approved for overnight wear.
Extended wear contact lenses are typically approved for up to 7
days/nights of overnight wear or up to 30 days/nights of overnight
wear between removals for cleaning and disinfection or
disposal.