Other diseases of the cornea and commonly used terms;

By: B. C. Jensen

Astigmatism is a condition marked by an irregularity in the curvature of the cornea.
Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) is a variant of Radial Keratotomy. It is an incision surgical procedure, used to correct astigmatism.
A cataract is a cloudiness or complete opacity of the eye’s natural crystalline lens.
The cornea is the transparent covering over the front of the eye.
Corneal decomposition is a pathologic condition caused by failure of the corneal endothelium to maintain normal fluid content of the storms tissue layer of the cornea, and results in shading and clouding.
Corneal scarring is caused by cornea injury (abrasion, laceration, burns, contact lens injury, or disease).
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which there is an unusual dryness of the cornea. It is usually due to a deficiency in normal tear production. Dry eye syndrome can result in a sensation similar to that of having a foreign body in the eye, as well as burning and/or redness of the eye. It can also lead to decreased visual acuity.
Fuch’s Dystrophy is a progressive pathologic corneal disorder characterized by a cloudy and swollen cornea, painful epithelial blisters and reduced vision. This condition, which is sometimes hereditary, may require a corneal transplant.
Hyperopia occurs when a refractive error causes blurriness when viewing relatively near objects. It is also known as farsightedness.
Keratoconus is a hereditary, degenerative corneal disease that causes a decrease in visual acuity.
LASIK (laser in-Situ Keratomileusis) is a form of laser treatment for individuals with higher degrees of myopia (greater than 5 diopters).
Myopia is a refractive error. This causes blurriness when viewing objects that are relatively far away. It is also know as nearsightedness.
Ocular cicatricial pemphigold is a chronic disease that may be progressive and may cause blistering and scarring of the eye’s mucous membranes, leading to adhesions between the palpebral bulbar conjunctive.
Penetrating Keratoplasty (Corneal Transplant Surgery) involves replacement of a scarred, diseased or damaged cornea with clear corneal tissue provided from a donor.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a non-invasive procedure that permanently corrects certain errors in vision.
Presbyopia is a condition in which the normal changes in the shape of the lens that occur when looking from a far away object to a near one (or vice-versa) are limited.
Pteryglum is an abnormal wedge-shaped growth on the surface of the conjunctiva.
Radial Keratotomy (RK) is a surgical procedure used to alter the refractive ability of the cornea.
Refraction is the bending of light rays in order to focus them.
A secondary cataract is any cataract that develops from a known cause, such as chronic iritic or drugs (steroids).
Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic disease of the body’s connective tissue. Dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis characterize it.