Glossary of terms

amblyopia (also called lazy eye)

the reduction or dimming of vision in an eye that appears to be normal.

See also Crossed-eyes (strabismus)

astigmatism

a vision problem that results in blurred images due to an unequal curve in the cornea.

See also Refractive errors

blepharitis

an uncomfortable eye condition involving redness and scaling of the edges of the eyelids, burning of the eyes; child is seen rubbing his eyes, and seborrheic dermatitis may be present on the child's head or face

See also Blepharitis

blocked tear ducts

when the openings into the nasolacrimal duct have not formed properly; causes tears pooling in the corner of the baby's eye, tears draining down the baby's eyelid and cheek, mucus or yellowish discharge in the eye, reddening of the skin from rubbing

See also Blocked tear ducts

blood in the eye (hyphema)

blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. The anterior chamber is the front section of the eye's interior where fluid flows in and out, providing nourishment to the eye and surrounding tissues.

See also Blood in the eye (hyphema)

cataract

a clouding or opaque area over the lens of the eye — an area that is normally transparent

See also Cataracts

chalazion

a persistent inflammation or swelling of the upper or lower eyelid caused by a blockage of one of the glands in the eyelid

See also Chalazion

childhood glaucoma

condition in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes (intraocular pressure, or IOP) slowly rises as a result of the fluid aqueous humor — which normally flows in and out of the eye — not being able to drain properly.

See also Childhood glaucoma

conjunctivitis ("pink eye")

an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye.

See also Conjunctivitis (Newborn/Childhood)

corneal abrasion

a scratch or injury to the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye

See also Corneal abrasions

crossed eyes (strabismus)

a misalignment of the eyes, strabismus is one of the most common eye problems in children, affecting approximately 4 percent of children under the age of 6 years.

See also Crossed-eyes (strabismus)

diabetic retinopathy

one of a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as complications.

See also Diabetic retinopathy

ecchymosis

ecchymosis, or more commonly known as a "black eye," usually occurs from some type of trauma to the eye

See also "Black eye" or bruising (ecchymosis)

hordeolum (stye)

an inflammation of the eyelid margin

hyperopia

a term used to describe farsightedness.

See also Refractive errors

hyphema

blood in the anterior chamber of the eye

keratitis

an inflammation or infection of the cornea of the eye (the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye)

retinoblastoma

a cancer of the retina of the eye, tends to run in families

See also Institute for Fetal HealthRetinoblastoma

retinopathy of prematurity

a disorder of the blood vessels of the retina (the light sensitive part of the eye). It is most common in premature babies.

scotoma

an area of partial or complete loss of vision surrounded by an area of normal vision.