Ophthalmology Definitions

Dermatochalasis : Redundancy of upper lid skin in old age associated

Eye Lids with bulging of the orbital fat
Blepharochalasis : Recurrent attacks of upper lid edema, leading to
Lid margin : Free margin of the lid. Redundancy of upper lid skin in young age
Ciliary part of the lid margin : from lacrimal papilla to lateral canthus. Xanthelasma : Yellowish skin nodules in the medial canthal region
Lacrimal part of the lid margin : from lacrimal papilla to medial LagOPhthalmos : It is inability to close the palpebral fissure completely
canthus. Tarsorraphy : it is operation in which we make adhesions between
Orbicularis oculi : Sphincter of the eyelid. the lid margins
Meibomian gland : Modified sebaceous glands lie in the tarsus of the Madarosis : It is permanent "Loss of lashes due to destruction of Hair
eye lid. follicles".
Zies glands : Modified sebaceous glands related to the lashes for Symblepharon : It means adhesion Between lid – globe
their lubrication.
Moll's glands : Modified sweat glands related to lashes for their Lacrimal Apparatus
lubrication.
Blepharitis : Chronic inflammation of the lid margin. Watering of the eye : It means over flow of tears over the cheek due
Stye (Hordeolum externum) : Acute suppurative inflammation of zies to either: i- Increased secretion (Lacrimation).
glands. Or ii-Decreased drainage (epiphora).
Chalazion : Granuloma (Chronic inflammation) of meibomian glands. Acute Dacryocystitis : It is acute suppurative inflammation of the sac
Hordeolum internum : Acute suppurative inflammation of Chronic Dacryocystitis : It is chronic inflammation of lac.sac
meibomian glands. Mucocele : is a distended sac with mucous from lining goblet cells
Rubbing lashes : A condition in which 4 lashes or less mal-directed
and rub against the cornea and bulbar conjunctiva. Conjunctiva
Trichiasis : A condition in which more than 4 lashes are mal-directed
and rub against cornea and bulbar conjunctiva. Bulbar conj : (which cover sclera) it is loosely adherent to sclera
Entropion : It is rolling in of the lid margin except 3mm around limbus
Ectropion : It is rolling out of the lid margin Fornix : The site of reflection between palpebral and bulbar
Ptosis : It is drooping of the upper lid conjunctiva
Pseudoptosis : The U.L. is abnormally low although L.P.s & Plica semilunaris : it is a cresentic fold of conj. (at the inner canthus)
Muller's ms. are normal Caruncle : it is vascular fleshy elevation (at the inner canthus)

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Ophthalmology Definitions
Conjunctivitis : it is inflammation of conj. Characterized by Spring catarrh : it is (chronic-bilateral-recurrent-seasonal) allergic
hyperemia & discharge. conjunctivitis caused by exogenous antigen as heat, UV rays
* it is self limited disease that seldom “rare” persists into adult life
Muco-purulent conjunctivitis : it is acute infective conjunctivitis
Papillae : formed of central core of CT covered with thick epithelium
characterized by hyperemia & mucopurulent discharge.
with oesinophils
Purulent conjunctivitis : Acute infective conjunctivitis characterized
Pterygium : it is triangular encroachment of conj, over the cornea
by hyperemia, purulent discharge,corneal involvement & general
N.B: -True pterygium: degenerative condition of unknown etiology
manifestation
-Pseudo pterygium: a fold of conjunctiva attached to base of a healed ulcer
Ophthalmia Neonatorum : Acute conjunctivitis occurring in newly
Pinguecla : it is a degenerative condition of conj, in old age where a
born (in first 2 weeks).
yellow, raised, triangular nodule is seen nasal to the limbus
Membranous conjunctivitis : It is acute, infective conjunctivitis Dry eye : it is dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva
characterized by: hyperemia, purulent discharge, corneal
Schimer test : test for dry eye investigation, where a drop of local anesthesia (to
involvement, severe general manifestation & membrane formation avoid reflex lacrimation) is inserted with one end of a filter paper into the lower
Trachoma : fornix for 5 minutes ..if less than 10 mm is soaked = dry eye
- It is chronic infective inflammation of conjctiva and cornea of man
- Caused by atypical virus Lens
- Characterized by formation of follicles,papillae and pannus
- Healed by fibrosis leading to lid deformity & visual disability Crystalline lens : is an elastic , transparent , avascular and biconvex
Trachomatous pannus : vascularization and infiltration by chronic structure which is suspended in its place by the suspensory
inflammatory cells in superficial layers of cornea ligaments(zonule)
Follicular conjunctivitis : it is conj. inflammation characterized by **** Its R.I of its cortex is 1.39 & that of its nucleus is 1.42 while
follicle formation its refractive power is +18”
Follicle : are focal collection of lymphocytes in the substania propria Accomodation : is the ability of the eye to change its diopteric power
appear as gelatinous elevation more in the lower fornix to see at different distances (far and near)  via contraction of ciliary
Phlyctenular conjctivitis : it is an allergic inflammation of conj & ms “circular fibers ” lead to relaxation of the zonules so increase the
may be cornea (phlyctenular kerato-conjuctivitis) in response to curvature & power of lens
endogenous toxin Catarct : lens opacification
Phylcten : formed of lymphocytic aggregation covered with epithelium Soft cataract : cataract before the age of 25 years
Giant papillary conjunctivitis : has no specific definition Hard cataract : cataract after the age of 25 years

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Ophthalmology Definitions
Congenital cataract : lens opacification which dates since birth or Electrooculogram (EOG) : An electrical recording based on standing
shortly after potential of the eye were the cornea is -ve in relation to the retina.
Zonular (Lamellar) cataract : lens opacification involving one or Ultrasonography : It is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows
more lamellae of the lens examination of the ocular structures in the presence of media
Senile cataract : bilateral , gradually progressive lens opacity opacities such as opaque cornea, cataract, or vitreous hemorrhage
affecting old people that do not suffer from local or general diseases CORNEA
Iris shadow : shadow of the iris on the lens opacity
Bacterial corneal ulcer : It is discontinuity of anterior corneal
Intumescent lens : in which the process of hydration is suddenly
surface due to invasion by bacteria.
exaggerated (due to rapid breakdown of lens protein leads to rapid
Descematocele (Keratocele) : It is herniation of Desc. Membrane at
increase in osmolarity)
the base of a deep ulcer in front of IOP ( a sign of impending
Morgagnain syndrome : it is a type of hyper mature stage of senile cortical
cataract, in which the lens doesn’t shrink & the degenerated lens matter
perforation ).
becomes liquefied into a milky fluid in which the nucleus sinks by gravity Corneal fistula : It is an epithelized corneal perforation.
to the lower portion of the lens. Paracentesis : It is puncture of the AC & evacuation of its contents.
Senile Nuclear Cataract : It is pathological lens sclerosis in which Paracentesis : It is puncture of the AC & evacuation of its contents.
the lens transparency is affected. Hypopyon ulcer : It is disc shaped ulcer associated with :
Complicated Cataract : It is lens opacification resulting from local i- Severe iridocyclitis ii-Hypopyon
eye disease or general disease. Hypopyon : It is sterile pus (no organisms)
Traumatic Cataract : It is lens opacification due lens injury. Psoterior abscess : This is cellular infiltration & necrosis which occur
Vossius ring : It is a ring of brown pigment on the anterior capsule opposite the ulcer just anterior to desc. memb. and might ulcerate
(due to impress of the pupillary border of iris on the lens). posteriorly → early destruction of des. m. → no descematocele.
After cataract : It is an opacity in the pupillary area, seen after Acanthameba kereatitis : Protozoal keratitis
Cataract operation (ECCE) or Trauma (with capular injury). Denderetic ulcer : It`s superficial linear branching ulcer due to
Subluxation of the lens : It Is lens displacement due to partial infection of the cornea with herpes simplex virus (HSV)
absence or tearing of the zonules. Disciform keratitis : It`s stromal infiltration & edema due to Ag-Ab reaction
Dislocation of the lens : It is lens movement due to total absence or Herpes zoster opthalmicus : It`s infection with varicella (chicken
tearing of the zonules. box) virus which is neurotropic (travel along nerve)
Electroretinogram (ERG) : It is the electrical activity of the retina on Kerato-malacia : It`s superficial keratitis (in marasmic infants due to
exposure to light. acute vitamin A deficiency )

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Ophthalmology Definitions
Keratitis with lagopthalmos : It`s corneal ulceration which occur Iris pattern : Fine irregularities on the anterior surface include
inlagopthalamous elevation & depressions.
Neuro-paralytic keratitis : It`s corneal ulceration due to loss of Ciliary body : It`s the intermitted part of the uveal tract extend from
corneal sensation (5th nerve lesion) iris to choroid
Mooren`s ulcer : It`s chronic slowly progressive ulcer of unknown etiology Choroid : It`s the posterior part of the uveal tract consist of
Athermatous ulcer : Ulcer occur in old degenerated leucoma duo to suprachoroid , vascular layer & Bruch`s membrane
little vitality of the scar Uveitis : It`s inflammation of the uveal tract maybe anterior
Keratitis profunca : It`s inflammation of posterior 1/3 of cornea (iridocyclitis) ,posterior ( choroiditis) or pan ( both)
commonly associated with iritis Irido – cyclitis : It`s inflammation of iris & CB
Keratectasia : It`s corneal ectasia without iris incarceration due to K.Ps (keratic precipitates) : These are triangular shaped depotions of
weak corneal scar which can`t withstand the IOP inflammatory cells deposited on the corneal posterior surface.
Keratoconus : It`s non inflammatory corneal ectasia of the cornea Posterior synechia : Adhesion between the iris & the lens capsule
due to congenital stromal weakness (usually centre) Atrophia bulbi : It`s shrunken organized globe
Arcus senilis : It`s annular infiltration of the corneal periphery by Iridectomy : removal of a part of the iris
lipoid material which is seen in old age. it`s aging process Exudative choroiditis : non-specific choroiditis with much exudation
Band shaped k. : It`s horizontal band shaped corneal opacity due to Endophthalmitis : a purulent inflammation confined to the
Ca deposition at level of bowmen membrane. intraocular structures, but the outer coat of the eye (cornea , sclera)
Keratoplasty : It`s removal of the diseased part of the cornea & and Tenon's capsule are free
replacing it by a clear cornea; donor`s graft.
Sclera : It`s the posterior 5/6 of the outer coat formed of tenon`s
Glaucoma
capsule, episclera & lamina fusca. Aqueous Humor : It is a transparent fluid that fills the anterior and
Staphyloma : It`s an ectasia of the outer coat of the eye in which the posterior chambers.
uvea is sharing Schwalbe’s line : It is a condensation of fibers in a circular manner
Uveal Tract around the termination of descemet membrane.
Uveal tract : It`s intermediate coat of the eye ball consist of iris & Normal intra-ocular pressure (IOP) : It is the pressure under which
ciliary body at the anterior part & choroid at the posterior part. the eye functions normally.
Iris : It`s pigmented circular diaphragm perforated at cetre (pupil) Diurnal variation : Normally the IOP is highest in the morning &
,devide the space between cornea & lens into A.ch & p.Ch goes to minimum in the evening.

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Ophthalmology Definitions
Glaucoma : It is pathological IOP leading to optic nerve damage Vascular retinopathy : bilateral retinal affection 2ry to systemic
(optic neuropathy) and visual filed defects. vascular disease
Congenital Glaucoma (1ry Buphthalmous) : It is elevation of IOP Diabetic retinopathy : it is bilateral affectin due to DM
due to congenital anomalies closing the angle. Retinal detachment : it is a condition in which the retina is separated
Closed Angle Glaucoma : It is acute increase of IOP due to sudden into 2 layers (retinal pigmented epithelium, sensory retina)
closure of angle. Tractional RD : in which the retina pulled by vitreous fibrosis
Open angle Glaucoma : It is bilateral , non congestive icrease of IOP Exudative RD : in which the retina is pushed by fluid derived from
in the absence of angle closure leading to Optic nerve damage & the choroid which gain access to the subretinal space
visual field defect Retinal breaks : are full-thickness defect in sensory retina, are either
Normal Optic Disc : It is a pale pink slightly Oval disc with A (retinal holes, retinal tear)
Centeral whitish depression with slopping edges called physiologic Retinitis pigmentosa : it is familial, bilateral, progressive retinal
Cup . Normal horizontal Cup- disc ratio ( C/D) = 0.3 degeneration of unknown etiology
Secondary Glaucoma :It is increased IOP Secondary to a local eye Amaurotic family idiocy : it is lipoid degeneration of the ganglion
diseaese cells of the brain and retina
Aphakic Glaucoma : It is icreased IOP following Catract extraction. Musca volitans : it is the appearance of moving opacities in front of
Due to : the eye due to the presence of vitreous opacities that cast on the retina
1. Post- operative iritis ( manipulation ) Papilledema : it is passive (non-inflammatory) edema of the optic disc
2. Post – operative hyphema
3. Pupillary blok by Viterous , air , IOL . Eye injuries
4. Steroid induced Glaucoma
Blunt trauma : trauma by a small blunt object e.g.fist or tennis ball.
Retina Coup : local damage at site of impact e.g. corneal abrasion .
Counter coup : distant damage caused by shock waves that traverses
Gunn’s sign : obstruction of a part of the vein below the arterial wall
the the eye to posterior pole e.g commotion retinae .
(that become not transparent
Ecchymosis : subcutaneous hematoma.
Banking : distention of vein distal to crossing and tapering on the
Commotio retinae : it is retinal edema following blunt trauma
other side
Perforating trauma : trauma caused by sharp
Salus’s sign : deflection of course of vein by rigid artery (being
instruments(knife,scissors)
enclosed in one sheath)

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Ophthalmology Definitions
Sympathetic ophthalmitis : bilateral inflammation of uveal tract Hypermetropia : It is a condition of refraction in which , with
following perforating trauma to one eye in which part of the uveal accommodation at rest
tract is involved lead to marked diminution of vision : i- Incident parallel rays come to focus in a point behind the retina
-the traumatized eye is called exciting eye ii- Rays emerging from a point on the retina leave the eye
-the other eye called the sympathizing eye divergent & apper as if coming from a virtual point behind the retina
Siderosis bulbi : it is the toxic effect of iron on the eye Pseudo-papillitis : ill-defined slightly elevated optic disc due to
Chalcosis bulbi : it is the toxic effect of copper on the eye crowdening of retinal nerve fibers in a small lamina cribrosa
Photophthalmia : it is kerato-conjuctivities 2ry to exposure to short Astigmatism : It is a condition of refraction in which the incident
waves lengths as in : skiing, welding arcs
parallel rays don’t come to a point focus on the retina (due to different
powers in different meredians)
Errors of refraction
Aphakia : It means absence of the lens
Emmetropia : It is a condition of refraction in which , with Pseudophakia : It is the presence of IOL
accommodation completely relaxed : Presbyopia : Physiological recession of near point (punctum proximum) due
i- Parallel rays come to focus in a point behind the retina tincrease in accommodation power making near work uncomfortable
ii- Rays coming out from the retina leave the eye parallel (meet at infinity) Anisometropia : Significance difference in refractive error between
iii- The retina & infinity are called (Conjugate Foci) the 2 eyes (rarely tolerable , when the difference > 4 Diopters
Ammetropia : It is a condition of refraction in which , with Contact lenses : Very thin lenses applied directly to the cornea
accommodation completely relaxed : Athenopia (eye strain) : It is a group of symptoms notices chiefly after
i- Parallel rays do “Not” come to focus on the retina close work, especially in the evening by artificial illumination.
ii- It includes : Myopia , Hypermetropia , Astigmatism , Aphakia
Retinoscopy (skiascopy) : It is a method for estimation of refraction of eye.
and Anisometropia
Accomodation : It is the ability of lens to change its refractive power, The muscle axis : It is the line between the origin and insertion.
so that It can focus object at different distances from the eye Squint: A condition in which the visual axes of the 2 eyes are “not”
The Diopter : It is the unit of lens power. The power of a lens which directed to the same object.
brings parallel rays falling on it to a focus at a distance of one meter Nodal point : It is a point behind the posterior pole of the lens
Myopia : It is a condition of refraction in which , with through which light rays undergo no refraction.
accommodation at rest : Visual axis : It is the line connecting the macula and object of regard,
i- Incident parallel rays come to focus in a point in front of the retina passing through the nodal point.
ii- Rays emerging from a point on the retina leave the eye Optic axis : It is the line connecting the center of the cornea, lens, retina.
convergent & meet in front of the eye Angle alpha : It is the angle between the visual axis and the optical axis.

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Ophthalmology Definitions
Apparent squint : A condition in which the person appears to have Concomitant squint : It is a manifest squint, not due to paralysis of
squint although the 2 visual axes are directed to th same object. EOM, in which the angle of the squint is the same in all directions of
Latent squint (heterophoria) : A condition in which the eye has a tendency gaze. (1ry angle = 2ry angle) so, the movement of the covered &
to deviate (when the patient is fatigued or the brain loses interest in binocular uncovered eyes are equal.
single vision) due to EOM imbalance “but” this tendency is checked by the
brain subconsciously to maintain “binocular vision”.
Orbit
Exophoria : the eye tends to deviate outwards.
Esophoria : the eye tends to deviate inwards. Proptosis : It is passive protrusion of the eyeball
Hyperphoria : the eye tends to deviate upwards. Orbital cellulites : It is acute supprative inflammation of the orbital
Hypophoria : the eye tends to deviate downwards. cellular tissue
Squint Cavernous sinus thrombosis : It is thrombo-phlebitis of the
cavernous sinus
Latent squint (heterophoria) ‫ اﻟﺤﻮل اﻟﻜﺎﻣﻦ‬: A condition in which the eye has
Endophthalmitis : It is suppurative inflammation .primarily in uveal
tendency to deviate due to EOM imbalance, but this tendency is checked by
tract (sclera is free)
the brain subconsciously to maintain "binocular vision" till the patient is
fatigued or the brain loss interest in binocular vision, the eye deviates again. Panophthalmitis : It is severe suppurative inflammation. Primarily in
Exophoria : The eye tend to deviate outwards (LR > MR). uveal tract and involves the outer coat
Esophoria : The eye tend to deviate inwards (MR > LR). Meningo-encephalocele : Herneation of the neninges and part of the
Hyperphoria : The eye tend to deviate upwards (SR > IR). brain through orbital roof defect
Hypophoria : The eye tend to deviate downwards (IR > SR). Surgical emphysema : Air passes from nasal sinuses into the orbit and
subcutaneous tissue of the lids through a fracture of ethmoidal bone
Excyclophoria : The eye tend to roll out (IO > SR).
Enucleation : The eye ball is excised , while conjunctiva , optic
Incyclophoria : The eye tend to roll in (SR > IO).
nerve and extra-ocular muscles are left and usually an artificial eye is
Paralytic squint : Manifest squint due to paralysis of 1 or more of EOM
in which the angle of squint is variable in different directions of gaze. inserted in place
Ophthalmoplagia : Paralysis of eye muscles. Evisceration : The cornea is excised and all the content of the eyeball
False projection (past pointing) ‫ ﻣﺎﺳﻚ اﻟﮭﻮا ﺑﺈﯾﺪه‬: False orientation of the are evacuated , while the sclera are left
objects situated in the same direction of action of the paralyzed Orbital exentration : It is operation where all content of the orbit are
muscles I.e. wrong estimation of the site (with the normal eye covered). removed inside the orbital periosteum . the lids and conj may also
Compensatory head posture (CHP) "Ocular torticollis" : Abnormal removed all in one mass
head posture adapted by the patient to minimize diplopia.

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Ophthalmology Definitions
Argyll Robertson pupil : It is small pupil (usually bilateral) That does Impotant Symptoms
not react to light but reacts to accommodation (light-near dissociation)
Diminution of vision : It`s loss of vision either sudden as in CRAO
and dilate poorly in dark
or gradual as in senile cataract.
Migraine : It is a clinical syndrome in which there are attacks of
Metamorphopsia : Objects apper distorted
headache frequently accompanied by visual , neurological and/or GIT
Macropsia : Objects appers large
symptoms
Micropsia : Objects appers small due to distortion of macular rods &
Ocular Tumors cones
Photopsia : Seeing flashes of light due to stimulation of rods & cones
Ocular tumors : Tumers may arise from extra ocular structures as the Chromatopsia : Coloured vision
lacrimal gland,optic nerve ,lids & conjunctiva or from intra ocular Erythropsia (cataract extraction) ,
structures . Xanthopsia (jaundice)
Malignant melanoma of the choroids : It`s unilateral elevated brown Cyanopsia ( hysteria)
oval shaped mass ,most common primary intra ocular tumor in adult. Night blindess : Difficulty to see in dim illumination due to General
Retinoblastoma: causes as Vit A Deficiency or local causes as peripheral lens
It`s most common primary intraocular malignancy in children. opacities
Day blindess : Difficulty to see in bright illumination due to central
Ocular Pharmacology retinal lesion,,,central corneal opacity
Diplopia : Double vision it`s binocular or uniocular
Amblyopia : Is ampaired vision in the absence of organic disease &
Mydriatics : Group of drugs that dilate the pupil passively with it`s most likely the result of lack of continuous use of one or both
parasympatholytics & actively with sympathomimitics eyes.
Miotics : Group of drugs that constrict the pupil either by direct, Ophthalmic laser : Light amplification by stimulated emission of
indirect action or both radiation.
Corticosteroids : Group of drugs that used to reduce the
inflammatory process but have serious side effect on prolonged use.

Best Wishes
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VIII
Ophthalmology Definitions

ENT definitions
Ophthalmology definitions
Ophthalmology sheet
Ophthalmology Oral questions
Forensic Notes
General toxicology
Specific toxicology
Fourth year Exams

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