Intro III: Ophthalmology #1

Ophthalmologist

A medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in the physiology, anatomy, and pathology of the eye; provides medical/surgical treatment of eye conditions.

Optometrist

A healthcare professional with a Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) trained to examine eyes, test visual acuity, and prescribe corrective lenses.

Palpebral Fissure

The anatomical opening between the upper and lower eyelids.

Sclera

The opaque, fibrous, protective white outer layer of the eye that maintains shape and volume and provides attachment points for muscles.

Conjunctiva

A clear, vascularized mucous membrane that lubricates and cleans the eye while maintaining moisture.

Bulbar Conjunctiva

The transparent membrane covering the anterior third of the sclera.

Palpebral Conjunctiva

The membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids, examined by pulling down the lower lid.

Eyelids

Movable folds protecting the globe through blinking that spreads tears.

Tarsal Plates

Dense bands of connective tissue within each eyelid providing structural support.

Meibomian Glands

Glands in the eyelids that secrete an oily film to prevent tear evaporation.

Pupil

The central aperture that regulates light entry by constricting or dilating.

Cornea

The transparent, convex anterior part of the eye allowing light to enter and providing refractive power.

Limbus

The anatomical border where the cornea and sclera join.

Iris

A pigmented diaphragm that modulates light entry through the pupil, determining eye color.

Lens

A transparent, biconvex structure focused on accommodating light onto the retina.

Ciliary Body

A ring-shaped structure containing ciliary muscle that controls the lens' curvature.

Suspensory Ligaments (Zonules)

Fibrous strands that hold the crystalline lens in position.

Fixed Pupil

A pupil that does not react or constrict in response to light.

Mydriasis

Excessive dilation of the pupil.

Anisocoria

Unequal pupil sizes between the two eyes.

Corneal Abrasion

A superficial scratch or loss of epithelial tissue on the cornea's surface.

WNL

Within normal limits.

Lacrimal Gland

The gland that produces tears, located in the superolateral orbit.

Eyelashes

Short, protective hairs along eyelids that trap airborne particles.

Scleral / Conjunctival Icterus

Yellowing of the sclera or conjunctiva due to jaundice.

Red Reflex

The orange-red glow seen when light is directed through the pupil, indicating clear optical media.

Vitreous Body

The transparent, gelatinous substance filling the posterior cavity of the eye.

Optic Disc

The region where the optic nerve fibers and retinal vessels exit the eyeball, associated with the blind spot.

Physiological Cup

The small, central depression within the optic disc from which retinal vessels emerge.

Retina

The sensory inner tunic of the eye that converts light into neural impulses.

Cones

Photoreceptor cells responsible for daylight vision and color reception.

Macula

The pigmented area surrounding the fovea with a high concentration of cones.

Fovea

The area with the highest density of cones, providing the sharpest visual acuity.

20/50 Vision

A patient sees at 20 feet what a person with normal acuity can see at 50 feet.

20/100 Vision

A patient sees at 20 feet what a person with normal acuity can see at 100 feet.

CN III

Oculomotor nerve, controlling most extraocular movements.

CN IV

Trochlear nerve, controlling the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

CN VI

Abducens nerve, controlling the lateral rectus muscle of the eye.