Glossary

Facial Palsy - Characterised by a drooping of one side of the face, from the malfunctioning of the facial nerve that controls the muscles in the face. Also has innervation to the lacrimal gland and eyelid. Individuals may have difficulty in blinking or closing the eye; drying the eye up, which may permanently damage the cornea, resulting in impaired vision. Rarely surgery may be required to help the eye close more easily. Anti-inflammatory or anti-viral drugs may also be prescribed. Usually this condition is temporary and can resolve itself by its own accord. The most common type of facial palsy is Bell’s palsy; paralysis of the facial nerve.

Femtosecond Laser - Is used in refractive surgery during the LASIK procedure to create the flap. It makes a safer and more precise flap than past methods; using longer wavelengths and smaller laser spots; having complete control over flap size, depth and shape. It focuses thousands of tiny laser spots inside the cornea, which join together to create a continuous line; making it very easy for the surgeon to lift.

Flap - Is created in refractive surgery during the LASIK procedure. It consists of the epithelium, Bowman’s membrane and some stroma, which are different layers of the cornea. These are lifted most commonly by a surgeon using Femtosecond laser technology, leaving a hinge at one side for easy replacement, before treatment from an excimer laser to remove excess corneal tissue.

Flashes and Floaters - These often occur during PVD (posterior vitreous detachment) or as a precursor to retinal detachment. Floaters are clumps of vitreous gel or cells that cast shadows on the retina. They often appear like specks, strands, webs or other shapes. Flashes occur when the vitreous tugs on sensitive retinal tissue. Many individuals have floaters but they do not bother them, although some individuals may require treatment. If the individual has a Retinal Detachment they may require immediate surgical treatment.

Fluorescein Angiography - Diagnostic test used to visualise and locate the site of leaking blood vessels inside the eye, by the retina. Fluroescein dye is injected into the individual’s arm, this works its way around the blood stream, and then rapid sequential photographs are taken of the back of the eye. This technique is commonly used to help diagnose diabetic retinopathy and AMD (age-related macular degeneration).

Fovea - Is the central part of the Macula region in the retina, which is responsible for sharp central vision. It has the highest acuity for humans to read, drive and watch television.

Fundus - Forms the posterior surface of the eyeball and includes the macula, retina, optic disc, posterior pole and choroid. This can be viewed by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist by an Ophthalmoscope or Fundus Camera.

Fundus Camera - Diagnostic equipment used by Optometrists and Ophthalmologists to have a closer look at the Fundus; posterior surface of the eyeball. It is a specialised low power microscope with an attached camera to record the images so they can be analysed at a later date.