Glossary

25 terms

Accommodation

The eye changing its focus, for example from distance to near.

AMD

Age-related macular degeneration. Affects the central retina.

Cones

Cells in the retina which support colour and fine detail in brighter light.

Contrast

The difference between an object and its background.

Cornea

The clear front surface of the eye. The cornea bends incoming light.

DVLA / DVA

The driver licensing authorities for Great Britain / Northern Ireland.

ECLO

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer. Offers practical and emotional support after sight loss.

ERG

Electroretinography: a test of the retina's electrical response to light.

Fovea

The central area of the macula with a high concentration of cones.

Genetic counselling

Information and support about the implications of an inherited condition for you and your family.

Inherited retinal disease (IRD)

A group of retinal conditions caused by genetic changes.

Low vision

Sight difficulties which ordinary glasses or contact lenses cannot fully correct.

Macula

The small central part of the retina used for fine detail.

MECS / WGOS

Minor Eye Conditions Service / Wales General Ophthalmic Services.

NHS / OUH

National Health Service / Oxford University Hospitals.

Ophthalmologist

A medical doctor who specialises in eye conditions and their treatment.

Optic nerve

Carries signals from the retina to the brain.

Optometrist

An eye-care professional who tests sight, checks eye health and can refer you for specialist care.

Orthoptist

A professional who assesses eye movements and how the two eyes work together.

Refraction

How light bends. A refraction test helps find a lens prescription.

Retina

The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.

RNIB

Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Rods

Light-sensitive cells in the retina which support vision in dim light.

Triage

A health professional works out how urgent a problem is and where you should get care.

Visual field

The whole area you can see, including the sides.