Astigmatism
Astigmatism is blurry vision produced by football-shaped corneas which are too steep in one place and too flat in another. Astigmatic corneas focus light in two different places in the eye, making both near and distance vision a problem.

 

Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)
The best possible vision a person can achieve with corrective lenses measured in terms of Snellen lines on an eye chart.

 

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a temporary condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer display for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time. Some symptoms of CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome)  include headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, eye strain, dry, irritated eyes, and difficulty refocusing the eyes

 

Cornea
The transparent front segment of the eye that covers the iris, pupil and anterior chamber, providing most of the eye's optical power. This is the part of the eye reshaped by laser vision correction.

 

Diopter
A measurement of the degree to which light converges or diverges; also a measurement of lens refractive power.

 

Extended wear (EW) contact lenses are lenses that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for overnight wear.  Extended wear lenses allow more oxygen to reach the wearer's cornea than daily wear (DW) contact lenses and therefore are safer to ear when sleeping.  One brand of extended wear contacts that has been approved for 30 day continuous wear is CIBA Air Optix Night and Day.  The ability to wear extended wear contacts must be discussed with your eye doctor.

 

"The Fingerprint of Your Vision"
Because no two eyes are alike, each eye has a unique map, or fingerprint. "The Fingerprint of Your Vision" defines unique characteristics in each individual's vision which are measured by WaveScan technology.

 

Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Also known as farsightedness, is a refractive error in which you see better from a distance than close up. Hyperopia is caused by an eyeball that is too short to focus light on the retina. Light strikes the retina before it can come to a sharp focus.

 

Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error in which you see better close up than from a distance. Myopia is caused by an eyeball that is too long to focus light on the retina or a cornea which is too steeply curved. In these cases light focuses in front of the retina rather than on it.

 

Retina
The thin lining at the back of the eye that converts images from the eye's optical system into electronic impulses sent along the optic nerve for transmission to the brain.

 

Snellen Chart
The chart used to test visual acuity with black letters of various sizes against a white background.

 

Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA)
The best possible vision a person can achieve without corrective lenses measured in terms of Snellen lines on an eye chart.

 

VISX CustomVue Procedure
As shown in an FDA clinical study, the CustomVue procedure has the potential to produce better vision than is possible with glasses or contact lenses. CustomVue technology enables the physician to measure and correct unique imperfections in each individual's vision.