Medical dictionary

What is a PreserFlo Microshunt? PreserFlo is a drainage device used in minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). It is an 8 millimetre long tube which is placed into the eye to drain excess fluid and lower pressure in the eyes of glaucoma patients. The incision made for insertion is smaller than in other techniques, allowing a faster recovery for patients.   What is PreserFl

What is photorefractive keratectomy? Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser refractive surgery that can be used to improve vision affected by refractive errors. A refractive error is when the eye cannot refract (bend) light correctly. PRK uses a laser to adjust the shape of the cornea, which improves how light focuses on the retina. What can photorefractive keratectomy be u

What is pterygium and pinguecula? Pterygium and pinguecula are two abnormal bumps in the conjunctiva of the eye. The pterygium appears as fleshy tissue on the cornea, its size may vary The pinguecula sprouts as a yellowish bump on the white of the eye. Prognosis of pterygium and pinguecula: These conditions are not cancerous (benign) and have a good prognosis with treatment.

What is ptosis? Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid. It usually occurs due to a problem in the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid (the levator muscle). The problem may be degenerative or congenital in nature. What are the different types of ptosis? There are many different types of ptosis. The most common forms of the condition include the following:  Apon

What is refractive lens exchange? Refractive lens exchange (RLE), also known as lens replacement surgery or clear lens extraction is a procedure offered to patients with extreme farsightedness (hyperopia) or age-related presbyopia (loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects). The procedure is actually almost identical to the procedure for cataract surgery in that the natural lens is rep

What is laser refractive surgery? Refractive surgery modifies the anatomy of the eye to correct vision problems such as hypermetropia, astigmatism and myopia.   Refractive surgery can be performed using several laser techniques including: PRK: Or photorefractive keratectomy, this is a superficial procedure suitable for people with thin corneas or a low pre

What is retinal detachment?   Retinal detachment happens when the external retinal membrane (retinal pigment epithelium) separates from the internal retinal membrane (sensory retina).        There are three different types of retinal detachment: Rhegmatogenous: This is the most common retinal detachment. It happens when there is a tear in the

What is retinal detachment surgery? The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages via the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is pulled from its normal position. Retinal detachment is caused by a retinal tear and can lead to blurred or lost vision.     Surgery is the only treatment for retin

What is a retinal tear? A retinal tear is when the thin layer at the back of your eye (retina) is torn. This creates a risk of retinal detachment and severe loss of vision. Prognosis of a retinal tear If a retinal tear is detected early, before it progresses to retinal detachment, the prognosis is very good. If retinal tears are left untreated, then there is a ver