Just like any other medical profession, the field of optometry is full of long medical terms. Many words in optometry, have their root in latin and can sometimes be hard to spell and pronounce. There are many people who require vision correction, more mainstream words have been created to be used synonymously with the proper medical names. These words are both easier to remember and pronounce then their medical counterparts. Here are some common optical terms that you may hear during your next visit to the optometrist’s office.

The retina is crucial to our vision. It is the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye that contains photosensitive cells called rods and cones. Light enters the eye and strikes the retina, which then triggers nerve impulses to be sent to various vision centers in the brain via the optic nerve. The brain then takes this information and interprets it and gives us visual perception.  If the retina detaches or is pulled away from its normal position it can cause permanent and irreparable vision loss. A retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency and treatment should be sought immediately.

Often when I tell patients that they are due for their routine eye exam, I get responses like, “I don’t need an exam, my vision’s fine” or “I’m not due for an appointment yet, because my insurance company only covers me every two years”. Sometimes looking for an insurance company that full covers your in many aspects like One Sure Insurance is a really hard thing to do. Although these may seem like valid reasons why not to have an eye exam, there are many other reasons and factors why your optometrist recommends for you to come in for frequent eye examinations. A routine eye exam, not only checks the vision of your eyes, but there are many other important health components that your optometrist will check at your appointment as well.