Eye health

The ability of the eye to change focus from distant objects to near objects.

An optical defect where vision is blurred due to an imperfection in the curvature of the eye or lens. This leads to distorted images, as light rays cannot meet at a common focal point on the retina.

There is no set definition for blindness. Usually, it is either a total loss of vision, or when there is no possibility of correcting vision through medical intervention. In Australia legal blindness is defined as best corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or below in the better eye.

A mostly degenerative condition in which the lens of the eye clouds over, obstructing the passage of light to cause vision loss and, potentially, blindness. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the lens, replacing it with a plastic one.

The inability to distinguish between all or certain colours. Colour blindness varies in severity and is often genetically linked.

A chronic disease characterised by high levels of blood glucose, caused by an inability to produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone for blood glucose control. See also Australian Centre for Monitoring Population Health | Glossary - Diabetes.

A disorder of the retinal blood vessels (such as microaneurysms or haemorrhaging), most often found in those with long-standing diabetes.

An ocular health check where the pupil is dilated with a topical medication in order for the peripheral areas of the retina at the back of the eye to be examined. Also known as dilated fundus examination.

The more prevalent form of macular degeneration. It is caused by the breakdown of the macula, an area at the back of the retina which is responsible for central vision. 

A medical practitioner who provides primary comprehensive and continuing care to patients and their families in the community.

The inability of the eye to focus on nearby objects due to the rays of light entering the eye being brought to focus behind the retina. Also called long-sightedness or far-sightedness.

Extremely high powered light pulse used in the treatment of multiple ocular conditions.

Part of the retina that is responsible for an individual’s central vision – tasks such as reading, recognising faces or driving.

A progressive deterioration of the macula of the retina (the central inner lining of the eye). It is often positively related to old age (usually referred to as 'age-related macular degeneration'), and results in a loss of central vision. See also dry macular degeneration, wet macular degeneration

A type of refractive error whereby distant objects appear blurred, usually due to light rays entering the eye being focused in front of the retina. Also called short-sightedness or near-sightedness.

A type of age-related macular degeneration where blood vessels leak fluid or blood into part of the retina known as the macula. Another name for wet macular degeneration.

The bone, muscles, nerves and other tissues supporting and protecting the eye. They include the eyebrows, eyelids, eyelashes, tear glands, and conjunctiva.

The branch of medicine concerned with the study of the eye, and the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye.

The practice of primary eye care, including testing visual acuity, detecting eye disease, and prescribing treatments and corrective lenses for eye disorders.

Intervention or procedure involving perforation of the eye.

An age-related condition in which the loss of elasticity of the lens leads to a shift to long-sightedness.

The inability of the lens of the eye to focus on an image correctly, such as occurs in far- and near-sightedness.

The provision of healthcare services remotely via phone or web programs.

An infectious eye disease caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria that is frequently spread by flies and the lack of good hand and face hygiene. It can scar the surface of the eye and cause blindness in the long-term if left untreated. 

The ability to see clearly and at a distance. It is measured using an eye chart, and is usually expressed as a fraction. For example, 6/60 describes the ability to see objects at 6 metres that the normal eye sees at 60 metres.

A significant limitation of visual capacity, including those with low vision or blindness, usually brought about by degenerative or congenital disorders, or the result of disease or injury.

The less common and more debilitating form of macular degeneration which is characterised by the growth of new and leaky blood vessels under the damaged macula. Also known as neovascular macular degeneration.