CORNEA: The clear front of the globe that
begins the process of focusing light the eye receives.
The cornea is responsible for two-thirds of the eye’s
focusing power.
DIOPTER: The unit of measure of the power
of a lens.
EPITHELIUM: The layer of cells that covers
the outer surface of the cornea. During LASIK surgery,
an instrument called a microkeratome makes a flap beneath
the epithelium that is lifted so the laser can reshape
the inner part of the cornea called the stroma.
EYE CHART: Technically, called a Snellen
Chart. A printed visual acuity chart that consists of
Snellen optotypes – specifically formed letters of
the alphabet arranged in rows of decreasing letter size.
KERATOCONOUS: A rare degenerative corneal
disease in which the cornea thins and assumes the shape
of a cone, seriously affecting vision. This disease prevents
an individual from having LASIK.
LASER: Stands for Light Amplification by
Simulated Emission of Radiation. The Excimer laser used
in LASIK surgery operates in the ultraviolet wave length.
It produces a cool laser beam.
LENS: Part of the optical focusing system
of the eye immediately behind the iris, the colored circle
of tissue in the eye that controls the amount of light
entering the pupil. As individuals age, the lens hardens.
This causes individuals older than 40 years to develop
a condition called presbyopia in which reading fine print
becomes more difficult without eyeglasses or contacts.
PACHYMETER: An instrument that measures
the distance between the corneal epithelium and corneal
endothelium. A diagnostic test that helps ensure the corneas
of potential LASIK patients are thick enough for LASIK
surgery.
REFRACTION: The process of measuring a
patient’s refractive error and the clinical judgment
to determine the optical correction needed.
REFRACTIVE SURGERY: A type of surgery (such
as LASIK) that changes the refractive state of the eye.
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