Glossary

Here are definitions of medical terms related to glaucoma.

Anterior Chamber: The part of the inside of the eye that is in front of the iris (the colored tissue in the eye).

Aqueous Humor: The watery fluid that circulates throughout the eye supplying nutrients and also providing enough pressure to keep the eyeball in its normal shape.

Cornea: The clear front surface of the eye that you "see" through.

Cup: A slight depression normally present in the part of the optic nerve that can be seen by looking inside the eye. In glaucoma, the cup is larger than it should be.

Dilation:: To make the pupil bigger with the use of eye drops.

Gonioscopy: A technique that allows the eye doctor to see the drainage channels that carry the aqueous humor out of the eye.

Iridotomy: Laser procedure in which a hole is made in the iris.

Iris: The colored tissue within the eye.

Laser: A bright and highly focused light.

Optic Nerve: The bundle of nerve fibers that transmits what you "see" with your eyes to your brain.

Pupil: The round hole in the center of the iris.

Sclera: The white of the eye.

Trabeculectomy: An operation for glaucoma in which a hole is made in the coating of the eye to increase drainage.

Trabeculoplasty: Laser procedure in which the drainage channels are treated to increase drainage.

Vitreous Humor: A clear, jelly-like substance that fills the eye behind the lens and helps the eyeball keep its shape.