Lesson 9: Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears Lesson 9 Review

astigmatism

A condition in which the eye does not focus properly because of uneven curvatures of the cornea.

audiometry

The use of an audiometer to measure hearing acuity.

Barotrauma

Pressure-related ear discomfort that is often caused by changes in air pressure.

cataract

The loss of transparency of the lens that causes a progressive loss of visual clarity.

cochlear implant

An electronic device implanted behind the ear to restore certain hearing losses

diplopia

The perception of two images of a single object.

glaucoma

A group of diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure that causes damage to the retinal nerve fibers and to the optic nerve

hemianopia

blindness in one half of visual field

hyperopia

A defect in which light rays focus beyond the retina (also known as farsightedness).

myopia

A defect in which light rays focus in front of the retina (also known as nearsightedness).

nystagmus

Involuntary, constant, rhythmic movement of the eyeball.

ophthalmoscopy

The visual examination of the fundus of the eye with an ophthalmoscope.

optometrist

Specializes in measuring the accuracy of vision to determine whether corrective lenses are needed.

otitis media

inflammation of middle ear

otomycosis

Fungal infection of the external auditory canal.

otopyorrhea

Flow of pus from the ear.

otorrhea

any discharge from ear

periorbital

swelling surrounding eye or eyes

photophobia

Excessive sensitivity to light that can be the result of migraines, excessive wearing of contact lenses, drug use, or inflammation.

presbycusis

Gradual loss of sensorineural hearing that occurs as the body ages.

presbyopia

The common changes in the eye that occur with aging

radial keratotomy

The surgical procedure to correct myopia by making incisions partially through the cornea, causing it to flatten.

strabismus

Disorder in which the eyes point in different directions or are not aligned correctly.

tinnitus

a ringing, buzzing or roaring sound in one or both ears

tonometry

The measurement of intraocular pressure.

vertigo

Sense of whirling, dizziness, and the loss of balance, that often is combined with nausea and vomiting.