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Eye Health Glossary

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refractive error

Degree to which the optical system of the eye is in error (ie. distance away from the retina that light is focused). Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are all examples of refractive errors. An emmetrope has no refractive error.

retina

Light-sensitive layer of the eye that contains photoreceptors (cones and rods) that are responsible for capturing photons of light and converting this information into electrical signals for the brain.

retinal detachment

Separation of the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) below. A detached retina is starved for oxygen and will soon die if not treated quickly (in many cases). Learn more about Retinal Detachment.

retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)

A layer of heavily pigmented cells that lies just below the retina at the back of the eye. The RPE is responsible for breaking down degenerated photoreceptor discs and for absorbing scattered light, among other tasks. The RPE is frequently damaged in age related macular degeneration.

retinitis pigmentosa

Hereditary degeneration of the retina, which leads to severe impairment of night vision and peripheral vision. Learn more about Retinitis Pigmentosa.

retinopathy of prematurity

A retinal eye disease found in newborn infants who are born prematurely and provided with supplemental oxygen.

retinoschisis

Rare disease of the nervous tissue in the eye, in which the retinal layers of the macula split away from one another.

rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP)

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP); hard contact lenses. RGP lenses of today are very oxygen permeable and comfortable. People with high astigmatism and with keratoconus find RGP lenses to be much better than soft contact lenses for improving vision. Learn more about contact lenses.

rheopheresis

Experimental blood filtration system that removes heavy proteins from the blood. The purpose is to slow the progression of retinal degeneration in macular degeneration. Learn more about Macular Degeneration treatment.

rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammatory disease that attacks the joints. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often suffer from severe dry eye. Learn more about Dry Eye Treatment.

river blindness

See Onchocerciasis for more information.

rod

Specialized light-sensitive photoreceptor that is essential for night vision and vision in low light levels.

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