Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye Terms

Question 1

Decreased or no vision in one eye with no anatomical damage to the eye or the visual pathway. Commonly related to unequal refractive status of the two eyes. Begins in early childhood.

Answer 1

Amblyopia

Question 2

A general term for any error of refraction of the eye.

Answer 2

Ametropia

Question 3

Unequal size of the images formed on the two retinas. Patient is unable to form a single clear image.

Answer 3

Aniseikonia

Question 4

Prefix meaning uneven or dissimilar

Answer 4

Aniso

Question 5

Opposite refractive errors in the two eyes. One eye plus and one minus.

Answer 5

Antimetropia

Question 6

Absence of the crystalline lens. Commonly is post-surgical following cataract extraction. Rarely congenital

Answer 6

Aphakic

Question 7

Referring to or involving both eyes, the use of both eyes simultaneously in such a manner that each retinal image contributes to the final, single prescription.

Answer 7

Binocular

Question 8

The best corrected visual acuity of 20/200.

Answer 8

Blindness (Legal)

Question 9

The angle joining the upper and lower eyelids.

Answer 9

Canthus

Question 10

Any opacity of the normally clear crystalline lens or its capsule; partial or complete loss of transparency.

Answer 10

Cataract

Question 11

Photoreceptor cell in the retina. Involved in color vision and high visual acuity.

Answer 11

Cone

Question 12

A thin mucous membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and extends over the exposed surface of the sclera.

Answer 12

Conjunctiva

Question 13

A drug that paralyzes the ciliary and sphincter pupillae muscles of the eye, resulting in a loss of ability to accommodate and to constrict the pupil.

Answer 13

Drugs - Cycloplegic

Question 14

Compound that constricts the pupil

Answer 14

Miotic (drug)

Question 15

Dilates the pupil.

Answer 15

Mydriatic (drug)

Question 16

The normal ocular refractive condition in which the principal focal points of the dioptic system of the eye lies exactly in the plane of the retina. No refractive error.

Answer 16

Emmtropia

Question 17

Inner layer of the cornea

Answer 17

Endothelium

Question 18

Outer layer of the cornea

Answer 18

Epithelium

Question 19

Prefix meaning into

Answer 19

Eso

Question 20

Prefix meaning out

Answer 20

Exo

Question 21

The part of the macula adapted for the most acute vision and color discrimination.

Answer 21

Fovea

Question 22

Ocular disease usually marked by abnormally high intraocular pressure, resulting in damage to the optic nerve and loss of visual field. Pressures over 25mmHG should be monitored by a doctor.

Answer 22

Glaucoma

Question 23

Prefix meaning upwards

Answer 23

Hyper

Question 24

Prefix meaning downwards

Answer 24

Hypo

Question 25

Having equal refractive power

Answer 25

Isotropic

Question 26

Suffix meaning inflammation

Answer 26

-itis

Question 27

Prefix referring to the cornea

Answer 27

Kerato

Question 28

An area on the posterior of the retina. 3mm to 5mm in diameter, usually located temporally to and slightly below the level of the optic disc. Contains the fovea.

Answer 28

Macula

Question 29

Partial or total loss of central vision, most commonly age related.

Answer 29

Macular Degeneration

Question 30

Diagnostic optical instrument to examine the interior of the eye.

Answer 30

Ophthalmoscope

Question 31

The eyelids

Answer 31

Palpebrae

Question 32

A tendency to turn

Answer 32

Phoria

Question 33

Rotary-mounted trial assemblage of lenses and prisms used to determine the refractive state of the eye.

Answer 33

Phoropter

Question 34

Abnormal sensitivity or intolerance to light

Answer 34

Photophobia

Question 35

A localized yellowish-gray, elevated mass in the conjunctiva. Usually on the exposed interpalpebral area of the cornea.

Answer 35

Pinguecula

Question 36

Wing like thickening of the conjunctiva that slowly grows from inner canthus over the limbus and into superficial cornea. Exposure to high levels of sunlight.

Answer 36

Pterygium

Question 37

Drooping of the eyelid below normal position.

Answer 37

Ptosis

Question 38

Small opening found at the cilliary border of each eyelid near the medial canthus through which the tears drain.

Answer 38

Punctum

Question 39

Pigmentary degeneration of the retina, results in loss of visual field and night blindness. Rods are affected the most.

Answer 39

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Question 40

Diabetic - A diseased condition of the retina. Increased retinal vascularization.

Answer 40

Retinopathy

Question 41

Hand-held instrument used to determine the refractive state of the eye.

Answer 41

Retinoscope

Question 42

Blind area within a visual field.

Answer 42

Scotoma

Question 43

Seeing under conditions of no light. All rod vision.

Answer 43

Scotopic Vision

Question 44

True, three-dimensional depth perception; not obtainable with one eye.

Answer 44

Stereopsis

Question 45

Misalignment of the eyes, caused by extraocular muscle imbalance, squint-crossed eyes binocular fixation is absent.

Answer 45

Strabismus

Question 46

Instrument used to measure the intraocular pressure of the eye.

Answer 46

Tonometer

Question 47

A definite turning of the eye.

Answer 47

Tropia

Question 48

The ability of the eye to detect detail. Snelling acuity 20/20. Each letter is designed to subtend a 5-minute angle with one minute components.

Answer 48

Visual Acuity