Macular Degeneration Disease Glossary
Navigating a diagnosis of an age-related disease can be overwhelming, especially with all the new medical terms involved. Whether you're preparing for a doctor’s visit or simply want to better understand a macular degeneration diagnosis, this glossary serves as a quick reference to help you define and understand commonly used terms.
Peripheral vision
Side vision that you can see without moving your head. Glaucoma first causes a loss of peripheral vision and, over time, can also damage central vision.
Photoreceptors
The light-sensing nerve cells (rods and cones) located in the retina.
Pigmentary glaucoma
A type of secondary glaucoma that occurs when pigment granules from the iris flake off into the eye fluid (aqueous humor) and clog the eye’s drainage system (trabecular meshwork).
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome
A type of secondary glaucoma that occurs when white material appears to flake off the lens of the eye and block the normal flow of aqueous humor.
Pupil
The adjustable opening at the center of the iris through which light enters the eye.
Retina
The light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. It captures the light that enters the eye and sends it to the brain so we can see.