Ocular Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
ptosis repair
Surgical correction of drooping upper eyelid to improve vision and cosmetic appearance.
Accommodative IOL
Intraocular lens designed to change position or shape to provide variable focal power and reduce presbyopia.
ahmed valve
Glaucoma drainage device with flow restrictor to regulate aqueous humor outflow.
anisocoria
Unequal pupil sizes, which may be physiological or indicate underlying neurological or ocular pathology.
anterior chamber
Fluid-filled space between the cornea and iris containing aqueous humor.
anterior synechia
Adhesion between the iris and cornea or anterior chamber angle structures.
aphakia
The absence of the natural crystalline lens, either congenital or following surgical removal.
Aqueous misdirection
Abnormal flow of aqueous humor posteriorly into the vitreous cavity, causing anterior lens displacement and angle closur...
Biometry
Precise measurement of ocular dimensions used to calculate intraocular lens power for cataract surgery.
blepharoplasty
Surgical procedure to remove excess skin, muscle, or fat from the eyelids.
capsular bag
The remaining natural lens capsule after cataract extraction, which serves as the location for IOL implantation.
Capsular fibrosis
Scarring and contraction of the lens capsule following cataract surgery, potentially affecting IOL position and vision.
Capsular phimosis
Progressive contraction of the anterior capsule opening following cataract surgery, potentially affecting IOL position.
Capsular tension ring
Circular device implanted to stabilize the lens capsule during cataract surgery when zonular support is compromised.
capsulorrhexis
Circular tear in the anterior lens capsule performed during cataract surgery.
chalazion excision
Surgical removal of a chronic inflammatory eyelid lesion through the conjunctival surface.
chemosis
Swelling of the conjunctiva, often appearing as a fluid-filled blister around the cornea.
choroidal detachment
Separation of the choroid from the sclera, often associated with hypotony or inflammation.
Choroidal neovascularization
Abnormal blood vessel growth from the choroid through Bruch's membrane, often associated with age-related macular degene...
Corneal astigmatism
Irregular corneal curvature causing distorted vision, requiring correction during refractive or cataract surgery.
Corneal edema
Corneal swelling due to endothelial dysfunction or trauma, affecting visual clarity and surgical outcomes.
Corneal epithelial defect
Loss or disruption of the outermost layer of corneal cells, often requiring surgical intervention or protective measures...
Corneal perforation
Full-thickness defect in the cornea allowing communication between the anterior chamber and external environment.
Corneal topography
Diagnostic imaging technique that maps the curvature and surface irregularities of the cornea for surgical planning.
corneoscleral incision
Surgical incision made at the junction between the cornea and sclera, commonly used in cataract surgery.