Disorders of the Eye & Ear

Flashcards covering vocabulary for disorders of the eye and ear.

Cornea

Outermost layer of the eye, clear dome-shaped, covers the front of the eye, helps focus vision.

Iris

Thin membrane responsible for controlling the diameter and size of the pupil.

Ciliary Body

Connects the iris in the eye.

Pupil

Hole in the center of the iris; controls the amount of light that gets into the eye.

Lens

Transparent; refracts light onto the retina.

Retina

Lines the back of the eye near the optic nerve; sends signals to the brain for visual recognition.

Optic Nerve

Back of the eye; transfers visual information from the retina to vision centers in the brain via electrical impulses.

Ptosis

Drooping of the eyelid.

Exophthalmos

Bulging eyes.

Arcus Senilis

A gray or white arc visible about the outer part of the cornea.

Sclera

Protective outer layer of the eye.

Conjunctiva

Inner surface of the eyelid.

Mydriasis

Enlarged pupil.

Mydriatics

Drugs used to dilate pupils.

Miosis

Constricted pupils.

Anisocoria

Unequal pupils (seen in CNS disorders).

Strabismus

Congenital visual problem.

Cataracts

Congenital visual problem.

Amblyopia

Congenital visual problem.

Sty (hordeolum)

Inflammatory visual problem.

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelids.

Conjunctivitis

Visual problem of redness, itching, and swelling of the conjunctiva.

Astigmatism

Light rays entering the cornea do not focus at a single point, thus causing distorted vision.

Myopia

Nearsightedness; the eyeball is too long for the focusing power of the lens and cornea.

Hyperopia

Farsightedness; the eyeball is too short for the focusing power of the lens and cornea.

Retinal Tear

A tear in the retina.

Retinal Detachment

Retina detaches from back of eye.

Photopsia

Light flashes.

Macular Degeneration

The macula gradually deteriorates, which impairs central vision. Peripheral vision remains unchanged.

Scotomas

Blind spots.

Metamorphopsia

Visual distortion.

Cataracts

Cloudy opacity of the lens.

Glaucoma

Increased intraocular pressure.

Miotics

Constrict pupils.

Mydriatic

Dilated pupils.

External Otitis

Swimmer's ear; inflammation/infection of ear canal.

Acute Otitis Media

Swelling of the auditory tube, trapping bacteria.

Serous Otitis Media

Fluid collection due to eustachian tube dysfunction.

Mastoiditis

Inflamed mastoid process.

Otosclerosis

Hereditary; stapes fixation to oval window.

Meniere's Disease

Inner ear disease; excessive accumulation of endolymph in the labyrinth.

Cochlear Implant

Hearing device for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.