Medical dictionary

What are genetic disorders? Hereditary diseases, also known as genetic disorders, are inherited conditions which have been passed on through your parents’ DNA. They are very common, and more often than not you may have no idea you are a carrier of a certain condition. In the vast majority of cases, a genetic disorder is only discovered if you experience symptoms of it.   Ho

What is genetic testing? Genetic testing is a tool that is used to find out whether a person is carrying a specific altered (mutated) gene that causes a particular medical condition such as a disease.   What are the different types of genetic testing? The different types of genetic testing and their purpose include: Diagnostic genetic testing – to diagnose a per

What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes the progressive loss of fibres in the optic nerve, whose proper functioning is essential for clear vision. Primary open-angle glaucoma or simple chronic glaucoma: this is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting approximately 80 per cent of patients with this disease. Angle-closure glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucom

What is glaucoma drainage devices surgery? There are several ways to treat glaucoma. In some cases where conventional and laser surgery has failed a specialist may suggest implant surgery, which is also known as aqueous shunts or glaucoma drainage devices. These names all refer to the same thing. The implants enhance standard glaucoma surgery through the positioning of a device that helps keep

What is glaucoma surgery? Glaucoma surgery is a surgical procedure to treat glaucoma; a progressive vision condition where fluid builds up in the eye and can result in permanent blindness. The procedure can be carried out using either a laser or by making an incision into the eye to reduce intraocular pressure and save your eyesight. It is typically used when medication is not working well.

What is Graves’ disease? Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease which causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. Graves’ disease is the leading cause of an overactive thyroid, which affects 2% of women and 0.2% of men in the UK .     What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease? The most common symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

What is hyperopia? Hyperopia (also known as hypermetropia, farsightedness or long-sightedness) is a very common eye condition in which distant objects will appear clearly, but objects closer up can appear blurry. If you suffer from hyperopia, your eyes are better at focusing on distant objects than nearby ones. Hyperopia generally affects adults over the age of 40, however, it can affect people

What is hypoplasia? Hypoplasia is the incomplete development or underdevelopment of an organ or tissue. Hence, organs or tissue affected by hypoplasia have a below average number of cells. There are different types of hypoplasia, depending on what tissue is affected. The most common types are: Testicular hypoplasia (seen in Klinefelter's syndrome) Optic nerve hypoplasia Enamel

What are ICL implants?ICL implants are a form of corrective surgery for the eyes. ICL stands for “intraocular collamer lens”. It is an artificial lens that sits behind the pupil and in front of your natural lens, acting as a permanent contact lens. ICLs are also known as phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs). ICL implant surgery involves operating on the eye to put this lens into place.