Glossary

Glare - A reduction in visibility caused by the scattering of light as it passes through the eye. It can be caused by refractive surgery, corneal irregularities or scars, cataracts and vitreous abnormalities.

Glaucoma - A condition that leads to progressive loss of nerve fibres in the optic nerve causing permanent visual damage (optic neuropathy). Raised intra-ocular pressure is a significant risk factor and there are two main types: open angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma. The same type of visual loss may also occur in eyes with a normal pressure and this is called normal tension glaucoma. Untreated glaucoma will cause visual field loss and progress to blindness.

Gonioscopy - An examination of the structures around the anterior chamber in the eye using a special lens. It is used to examine in detail the anatomical angle made between the cornea and iris and for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma.