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Eye Health Glossary

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lacrimal gland

Tear gland located above the eye in the outer part of the eye's orbit. The lacrimal gland secretes tears that contribute to the tear film.

lacrimal plug

A tiny plug that can be made of either collagen (temporary plug) or silicone (permanent plug) that is placed into the punctum (the tiny hole on the upper and lower eyelids through which tears drain from the eye). Lacrimal plugs are used as dry eye remedies.

lacrimal sac

Sac-like structure that is located between the nose and the eye. The lacrimal sac collects tears that have drained through the punctum. From the lacrimal sac, tears further drain through the nasolacrimal duct.

lagophthalmos

Incomplete closure of the eyelids upon blinking. Lagophthalmos can lead to symptoms of dry eye.

LASEK

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK). A laser refractive surgery in which only the most outer layer of corneal tissue (the epithelium) is used to make the flap. LASEK is an alternative option for individuals who may not be candidates for LASIK. Learn more about laser eye surgery.

laser

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER). A device that concentrates light into a powerful beam that is capable of cutting, burning, or vaporizing tissue. Lasers are used for both refractive and therapeutic purposes in ophthalmology. Learn more about laser eye surgery.

LASIK

Laser in situ Keratomileusis. A laser refractive surgery in which a thin flap is created (using a microkeratome) while a laser is used to reshape corneal tissue beneath the flap. Learn more about LASIK eye surgery.

lateral rectus

The extraocular muscle (EOM) responsible for turning the eye away from the nose.

lazy eye

See Amblyopia for more information.

legal blindness

Standard set by the government. In the US, legal blindness is set at a best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 in the better eye (ie. with glasses on), or field of vision of less than 20 degrees.

lens

See Crystalline Lens for more information.

lens capsule

Thin, membranous sac that encloses the crystalline lens. The zonules connect the lens capsule to the ciliary body. During cataract surgery, the lens capsule remains intact so that an IOL (intraocular lens) implant can be placed inside.

lens subluxation

Incomplete dislocation of the crystalline lens. Lens subluxation can lead to severe distortion and blurred vision. Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome can result in lens subluxation problems.

leukocoria

White pupil. Leukocoria often indicates the presence of a relatively dense cataract.

levator

The muscle located in the upper eyelid that is used to open the eyes.

limbus

The border between the cornea and the sclera (white part of the eye).

low vision

Term usually used to describe vision worse than 20/200 (legal blindness). Low vision aids are available to improve vision as much as possible.

lutein

A carotenoid vitamin that is found in leafy dark green vegetables like spinach, as well as in many fruits and corn. Lutein is currently believed to play a protective role in preventing macular degeneration. Ocuvite is a popular vitamin supplement specialized for prevention of macular degeneration.

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