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Glossary of Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Related Terms - I~L

Numbers A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


I
ICL
See Implantable Collamer Lens
ICRS
Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS, trade name Intacs).
Implantable Collamer Lens
Descriptive trade name for the STAAR Myopic Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) indicated for the correction of high refractive error and is intended for placement behind the iris in the posterior chamber of the phakic eye. Also known as a Phakic Intraocular Lens (P-IOL), the design of the ICL is very similar to that of standard intraocular lenses used for cataract surgery. However, the ICL has been designed with forward vault to minimize contact with the central anterior capsule of the crystalline lens. The lens material is a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer known as Collamer and has a history of safe use in approved standard posterior chamber intraocular lenses. Outside the United States the ICL is known as the Implantable Contact Lens. The US Food and Drug Administration rightfully determined this descriptive name would misinform the public of the nature of the P-IOL. Detailed Visian & Verisyse Phakic Intraocular Lens (P-IOL) Information
Ingrowth, Epithelial
See Epithelial Ingrowth.
Intacs
Trade name for Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments. Small semicircular rings of plastic that are implanted in the mid-periphery of the cornea to correct myopia (nearsighted, shortsighted vision) and/or keratoconus. See Intacs Details.
Intralase
Manufacturer of a femtosecond laser for use in creating a Lasik flap and other precise corneal incisions. Lasik with the Intralase laser created flap is called Bladeless Lasik or Bladeless Lasik. See Bladeless Lasik details.
Bladeless Lasik
See Bladeless Lasik
Intraocular
Meaning inside the eye.
Intraocular Lens
A man-made silicone or plastic lens used to replace the natural crystalline lens of the eye. Used in cataract surgery, Phakic Intraocular Lens (P-IOL) implantation, or Refractive Lens Exchange.
Intraocular Pressure
Pressure within the eye. High intraocular pressure is called glaucoma.
Iris
Colored portion of the eye that expands or contracts to control the size of the pupil.
Intraoperative
Patient care procedures performed during the operation that are ancillary to the actual surgery. May include monitoring, fluid therapy, medication, transfusion, anesthesia, radiography, and/or laboratory testing.
Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments
See Intacs.
IOL
See Intraocular Lens
IOP
See Intraocular Pressure
Ischemia
A decrease in the blood supply caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels.
J
JCAHO
See Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. 
K
Keloid
An abnormal scaring of damaged tissue. See Keloid Details.
Keratectomy
Surgical excision (removal) of any portion of the cornea.
Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea.
kerato...
A prefix indicating relationship to the cornea.
Keratoconjuntivitis
An inflammation (infectious or auto-immune) of the cornea and conjunctiva.
Keratoconus
A disorder that involves a thinning of the central cornea. The normally round shape of the cornea becomes distorted. A cone-like bulge develops, resulting in significant visual impairment. Keratoconus Details
Keratometry
The measurement of the curvature of the cornea.
Keratomileusis
A refractive surgical technique where a partial thickness circular flap of cornea is removed, frozen, reshaped on a lathe and replaced upon the cornea. The lathe can shape either a convex or a concave lens.
Keratotomy
A surgical incision of the cornea as in Radial Keratotomy.
KeraVision
An ophthalmic device company.
L
Lacrimal Gland
The small almond-shaped structure that produces tears; located just above the outer corner of the eye.
Lagophthalmos
The inability or difficulty closing one's eye. This can be caused by Bell's Palsy, trauma, neurosurgery, bacterial infection, stroke, and cosmetic surgery. Common symptoms are severe dry eye and discomfort, corneal ulceration, decrease or loss of vision. See Dry Eye Treatment.
LAL
See Light Adjustable Lens.
LASEK
See Laser Assisted Epithelium Keratomileusis.
Laser
An acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser light is different from ordinary light in that it is composed of one color (wavelength) traveling in one direction and each light wave is traveling in step with the adjacent wave making the laser light more powerful by a factor of millions. This energy is carried by the wave in "packets" called photons.
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis
An advanced laser procedure combining ALK and PRK to reshape the central cornea, thereby decreasing or eliminating myopia (nearsighted, shortsighted vision), hyperopia (farsighted, longsighted vision), and astigmatism (irregular cornea). The refractive surgeon uses an automated microkeratome to shave off a thin, hinged layer of the cornea. This flap is then lifted like a hinged door and the exposed surface is reshaped using the excimer laser. After altering the corneal curvature, the flap is replaced and adheres without stitches. Lasik Details
Laser Assisted Epithelium Keratomileusis
Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelium Keratomileusis (LASEK) is the detachment of the epithelium with the use of an alcohol solution that softens the epithelium and allows it to be rolled back into a flap. The flap of epithelium is then be repositioned over the cornea following excimer ablations. LASEK Details
Laser Diagnostic Technologies
Ophthalmic equipment company.
LaserSight
Ophthalmic equipment company. 
Laser Thermal Keratoplasty
A non-excimer laser refractive surgery. The office-based instrument applies two rings of laser energy to the midperiphery of the cornea. Each ring gently heats collagen in the cornea to change corneal shape. The application of energy is accomplished without physically contacting the cornea with instrumentation or other apparatus.
Lasik
See Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis.
Lattice Degeneration
Lattice degeneration is a hereditary vitreoretinal degeneration of the retina, causing holes most often in the periphery and possibly leading to retinal detachment. Lattice is a commonly a contraindication for refractive surgery. Lattice Degeneration Details.
Legal Blindness
In the U.S., (1) Visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with corrective lenses. (2) Visual field restricted to 20 degrees diameter or less (tunnel vision) in the better eye. Note these criteria are used to determine eligibility for government disability benefits and do not necessarily indicate a person's ability to function.
Lens
A transparent double convex (outward curve on both sides) structure between the iris and the vitreous humor. Two structures of the eye focus light onto the retina. The first is the cornea or front surface of the eye that provides about 65% of the focusing power of the eye. The human lens is located behind the iris and in front of the vitreous humor and provides the remaining focusing power for the eye. In younger patients (usually below age 45) the lens is able to adjust it's power allowing the eye to change it's focal length from distance to near.
Lenticular Astigmatism
When the crystalline lens is not symmetrical. See Lenticular Astigmatism Details
Light Adjustable Lens
An intraocular lens being developed by Calhoun Vision that can adjust its refractive power by the introduction of high frequency light waves into the eye. In theory, if a patient's refractive error is not precisely correct after cataract or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery, the lens can be adjusted without removal from the eye.
Limbus
The visible borderline between the clear cornea and the white sclera of the eye. The conjunctival layer that covers the globe also joins at the limbus.
LTK
See Laser Thermal Keratoplasty.
Low Vision
Visual loss that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses and interferes with daily living activities.

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