Macular Degeneration Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Macular Degeneration article.
20/20: See: Twenty-twenty. Abnormal: Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient. Acetate: A molecular ion derived from acetic acid. The formula of acetate is CH3COO-. Age-related macular degeneration: An eye disease with its onset usually after age 60 that... See the entire definition of Age-related macular degenerationAging: The process of becoming older, a process that is genetically determined and environ... See the entire definition of AgingAmsler grid: While conducting an eye examination, the eye care professional may ask the p... See the entire definition of Amsler gridAnalogous: In anatomy, similar in appearance or function but otherwise different. Two stru... See the entire definition of AnalogousAngiogram: An X-ray image of blood vessels. The vessels can be seen because a contrast dye... See the entire definition of AngiogramAngiography: A procedure performed to view blood vessels after injecting them with a radio... See the entire definition of AngiographyAntibody: An immunoglobulin, a specialized immune protein, produced because of the introdu... See the entire definition of AntibodyAntioxidant: A substance that reduces damage due to oxygen, such as that caused by free ra... See the entire definition of AntioxidantApnea: The absence of breathing (respiration). Argon laser: A laser with ionized argon as the active medium. Argon lasers are used for ph... See the entire definition of Argon laserARMD: Age-related macular degeneration (which may also be abbreviated as AMD). Aspirin: Once the Bayer trademark for acetylsalicylic acid, now the common name for this a... See the entire definition of AspirinAtrophy: A wasting away or diminution. Muscle atrophy is a decrease in muscle mass, often ... See the entire definition of AtrophyBeta carotene: A vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against oxidation d... See the entire definition of Beta caroteneBilateral: Affecting both sides. For example, bilateral arthritis affects joints on both t... See the entire definition of BilateralBlind: 1. Unable to see. Without part or all of the sense of sight. Blindness: Loss of useful sight. Blindness can be temporary or permanent. Damage to any p... See the entire definition of BlindnessBrain: The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It func... See the entire definition of BrainCancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, ... See the entire definition of CancerCataract: A clouding or loss of transparency of the lens in the eye as a result of tissu... See the entire definition of CataractCataract surgery: Removal of the clouded (cataractous) lens in its entirety via surgery an... See the entire definition of Cataract surgeryCentral vision: A process in which millions of cells change light into nerve signals that ... See the entire definition of Central visionChoroid: In the eye, a thin vascular layer between the sclera and the retina. The choroid ... See the entire definition of ChoroidClinical trials: Trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of medications or medical... See the entire definition of Clinical trialsColon: The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaini... See the entire definition of ColonContrast: Short for "contrast media." Contrast media are X-ray dyes used to provide contra... See the entire definition of ContrastCornea: The clear front window of the eye, which transmits and focuses light into the eye.... See the entire definition of CorneaCure: 1. To heal, to make well, to restore to good health. 2. A time withou... See the entire definition of CureDiabetic retinopathy: Disease of the retina caused by diabetes that involves damage to the... See the entire definition of Diabetic retinopathyDiagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ... See the entire definition of DiagnosisDrusen: Tiny yellow or white deposits in the retina of the eye or on the optic nerve head... See the entire definition of DrusenDry eye: A deficiency of tears. The main symptom is usually a scratchy or sandy feeling as... See the entire definition of Dry eyeEar: The hearing organ. There are three sections of the ear, according to the anatomy tex... See the entire definition of EarEdema: The swelling of soft tissues as a result of excess fluid accumulation. Edema is oft... See the entire definition of EdemaEmergency department: The department of a hospital responsible for the provision of medica... See the entire definition of Emergency departmentEndothelial: Relating to the endothelium. Epithelium: The outside layer of cells that covers all the free, open surfaces of the body... See the entire definition of EpitheliumEssential: In medicine, of unknown cause, as in essential hypertension (high blood pressur... See the entire definition of EssentialEtiology: The study of causes, as in the causes of a disease. The form aetiology is genera... See the entire definition of EtiologyFamily history: The family structure and relationships within the family, including inform... See the entire definition of Family historyFDA: Food and Drug Administration. Fluorescein angiography: A test to examine blood vessels in the retina, choroid, and iris ... See the entire definition of Fluorescein angiographyFood and Drug Administration: An agency within the US Public Health Service that provides ... See the entire definition of Food and Drug AdministrationGenes: The basic biological units of heredity. Segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nee... See the entire definition of GenesGenetic: Having to do with genes and genetic Glaucoma: A common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eyes rises becaus... See the entire definition of GlaucomaHeart: The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. ... See the entire definition of HeartHeart attack: The death of heart muscle due to the loss of blood supply. The loss of bloo... See the entire definition of Heart attackHemorrhagic: Pertaining to bleeding or the abnormal flow of blood. In vivo: In the living organism. For example, an experiment that is done in vivo is done i... See the entire definition of In vivoIndicate: In medicine, to make a treatment or procedure advisable because of a particular ... See the entire definition of IndicateInflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ... See the entire definition of InflammationIntervention: The act of intervening, interfering or interceding with the intent of modify... See the entire definition of InterventionIntraocular: In the eye. For example, intraocular pressure is the pressure within the eye.... See the entire definition of IntraocularIris: The circular, colored curtain of the eye. The opening of the iris forms the pupil. T... See the entire definition of IrisLaser: A powerful beam of light that is used in some types of surgery to cut or destroy ti... See the entire definition of LaserLegal blindness: The criteria used to determine eligibility for government disability bene... See the entire definition of Legal blindnessLipitor: See: Atorvastatin. Macula: A macula is a small spot. A macula on the skin is a small flat spot while the macu... See the entire definition of MaculaMacular: Pertaining to the macula. A macula is a small spot. A macula on the skin is a s... See the entire definition of MacularMacular degeneration: A disease that progressively destroys the macula, the central porti... See the entire definition of Macular degenerationMaculopathy: Any pathologic condition or disease of the macula, the small spot in the reti... See the entire definition of MaculopathyMedical school: A school with a curriculum leading to a medical degree. The mission of eve... See the entire definition of Medical schoolMembrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a 'surface. Metabolic: Relating to metabolism, the whole range of biochemical processes that occur wit... See the entire definition of MetabolicMetabolic syndrome: A constellation of conditions that place people at high risk for coron... See the entire definition of Metabolic syndromeMolecule: The smallest unit of a substance that can exist alone and retain the character o... See the entire definition of MoleculeMyopia: Nearsightedness, the ability to see close objects more clearly than distant objec... See the entire definition of MyopiaNerve: A bundle of fibers that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit sensory an... See the entire definition of NerveNIH: National Institutes of Health. Obesity: The state of being well above one's normal weight. Occult: Hidden. For example, occult blood in the stool is hidden from the eye but can be d... See the entire definition of OccultOcular: Having to do with the eye. Ophthalmic: Pertaining to the eye. For example, an ophthalmic ointment is designed for the... See the entire definition of OphthalmicOphthalmologist: A physician who practices ophthalmology. Ophthalmology: The art and science of eye ?medicine. Ophthalmoscope: A lighted instrument that is used to examine the inside of the eye, includ... See the entire definition of OphthalmoscopeOptic: Having to do with vision. Optic nerve: The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. The optic nerve carries the... See the entire definition of Optic nerveOptometrist: A practitioner who provides primary eye and vision care, performs eye examina... See the entire definition of OptometristOsteoporosis: Thinning of the bones, with reduction in bone mass, due to depletion of calc... See the entire definition of OsteoporosisOxygen: The odorless gas that is present in the air and necessary to maintain life. Oxygen... See the entire definition of OxygenPain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainPathologic: 1. Indicative of or caused by disease, as in a pathologic fracture, pat... See the entire definition of PathologicPeripheral: Situated away from the center, as opposed to centrally located. Peripheral vision: Side vision. The ability to see objects and movement outside of the di... See the entire definition of Peripheral visionPeriphery: 1. The outside or surface of a structure; the portion outside the centr... See the entire definition of PeripheryPharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup... See the entire definition of PharmacyPhotodynamic therapy: A form of treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent, administered... See the entire definition of Photodynamic therapyPigment: A substance that gives color to tissue. Pigments are responsible for the colors o... See the entire definition of PigmentPigmentation: The coloring of the skin, hair, mucous membranes, and retina of the eye. Pig... See the entire definition of PigmentationPons: A specific section of the brain formed by the rounded prominence on the front surfac... See the entire definition of PonsPosterior: The back or behind, as opposed to the anterior. Predispose: To make more likely or render susceptible. Smoking predisposes to a number of ... See the entire definition of PredisposePrognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan... See the entire definition of PrognosisProgressive: Increasing in scope or severity, advancing, or going forward. For example, a ... See the entire definition of ProgressiveProspective: Looking forward. A prospective study or a prospective clinical trial is one i... See the entire definition of ProspectiveProteins: Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific orde... See the entire definition of ProteinsQuality of life: The patient's ability to enjoy normal life activities. Quality of life is... See the entire definition of Quality of lifeRandomized: The use of chance alone to assign the participants in an experiment or trial t... See the entire definition of RandomizedRectum: The last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine. The rectum stores solid waste until... See the entire definition of RectumRetina: The retina is the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, senses light, and c... See the entire definition of RetinaRetinal: Pertaining to the retina, the extraordinary layer of neurons (nerve cells) that ... See the entire definition of RetinalRetinal disease: In medicine, called retinopathy. See: Retinopathy. Retinal pigment epithelium: The pigment cell layer that nourishes the retinal cells. Retinopathy: Any disease of the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the ey... See the entire definition of RetinopathyRisk factor: Something that increases a person's chances of developing a disease. For exam... See the entire definition of Risk factorSelenium: An essential mineral that is a component of an antioxidant enzyme, glutathione r... See the entire definition of SeleniumSenile: 1. Pertaining to old age. 2. Pertaining to the physical decline ass... See the entire definition of SenileSensitivity: 1. In psychology, the quality of being sensitive. As, for example, sen... See the entire definition of SensitivitySensory: Relating to sensation, to the perception of a stimulus, to the voyage made by inc... See the entire definition of SensorySleep: The body's rest cycle. Sleep apnea: The temporary stoppage of breathing during sleep, often resulting in daytime ... See the entire definition of Sleep apneaSteroid: One of a large group of chemical substances classified by a specific carbon struc... See the entire definition of SteroidStroke: The sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood... See the entire definition of StrokeSurgery: The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or inj... See the entire definition of SurgerySyndrome: A combination of symptoms and signs that together represent a disease process. Syndrome X: See: Metabolic syndrome. Systemic: Affecting the entire body. A systemic disease such as diabetes can affect the wh... See the entire definition of SystemicTherapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Tomography: The process for generating a tomogram, a two-dimensional image of a slice or s... See the entire definition of TomographyTopical: Pertaining to a particular surface area. For example, a topical agent is applied ... See the entire definition of TopicalUveitis: Inflammation of the uvea. Uveitis is a serious form of eye inflammation and requi... See the entire definition of UveitisVascular: Relating to blood vessels. For example, the vascular system in the body includes... See the entire definition of VascularVEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor, a substance made by cells that stimulates the fo... See the entire definition of VEGFVein: A blood vessel that carries blood that is low in oxygen content from the body back t... See the entire definition of VeinVessel: A tube in the body that carries fluids. Examples of vessels are blood vessels and ... See the entire definition of VesselVisual acuity: The clarity or clearness of vision, a measure of how well a person sees. Visual field: The entire area that can be seen when the eye is directed forward, including... See the entire definition of Visual fieldVitamin A: Vitamin A is retinol. Carotene compounds (found, for example, in egg yolk, butt... See the entire definition of Vitamin AVitamin C: An essential nutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The body requires ... See the entire definition of Vitamin CVitamin E: Alpha-tocopherol, an antioxidant vitamin which binds oxygen free radicals that ... See the entire definition of Vitamin EVitamins: The word "vitamin" was coined in 1911 by the Warsaw-born biochemist Casimir Funk... See the entire definition of VitaminsVitrectomy: Removal of the gel (called the vitreous) from within the eyeball. This may be ... See the entire definition of VitrectomyWasting: 1. Gradual loss (for example, of weight), deterioration, emaciation. As in... See the entire definition of WastingZinc: A mineral that is essential to the body and is a constituent of many enzymes that pe... See the entire definition of Zinc
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