The words you hear during your appointment, explained simply. Click a term on the website or search for it here. To display definitions when hovering over medical terms, enable “Explain medical terms” in the Accessibility panel.
Age-related disease of the macula that impairs central vision.
AMD, age-related macular degeneration, occurs in dry (slow progression) and wet forms (abnormal vessels, rapid progression). The wet form is treated with intravitreal injections; distortion of straight lines requires assessment without delay.
The crystalline lens’s ability to change shape to focus from far to near.
Accommodation is the mechanism by which the crystalline lens becomes more convex to provide clear near vision. It is strongest in children and decreases with age, leading to presbyopia.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Reduced vision in an eye whose vision did not develop normally during childhood.
Amblyopia, or a 'lazy eye', is impaired visual development without damage to the eye. It is treated mainly in childhood with glasses and patching.
ChildrenDedicated page: learn more
A test in which dye is injected into the arm to photograph the retinal blood vessels.
Angiography shows blood flow in the retina and leakage from blood vessels. The dye may temporarily colour the skin and urine; the doctor checks for contraindications beforehand.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
Medicine that blocks abnormal blood vessels and leakage in the retina.
Anti-VEGF drugs block a growth factor responsible for fragile blood vessels and leakage in wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema and vein occlusions.
Clear fluid continuously produced and drained at the front of the eye.
Aqueous humour nourishes the cornea and crystalline lens. It drains through the iridocorneal angle; impaired drainage raises eye pressure.
GlaucomaDedicated page: learn more
Irregular corneal curvature that distorts images at both far and near distances.
Astigmatism is caused by a cornea that is more curved in one direction than the other. Images appear stretched or doubled. It is corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses or surgical techniques.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Low-dose eye drops used to slow worsening myopia in children.
At a very low concentration, atropine eye drops can slow elongation of the eye in short-sighted children. This is one method of myopia control, prescribed with regular monitoring.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Measurements of the eye (length, corneal curvature) used to calculate implant power.
Biometry measures the length of the eye and the curvature of the cornea. These measurements are used to calculate cataract implant power; their accuracy determines the refractive outcome.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
Common chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, often associated with dry eye.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, with crusting, sticky eyelashes and stinging. It is treated with regular eyelid hygiene and sometimes additional care.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Progressive clouding of the crystalline lens, the eye’s natural lens, which makes vision blurred and hazy.
A cataract is clouding of the crystalline lens. It most often develops with age and causes blurred vision, glare and reduced contrast. Treatment is surgical: the cloudy lens is replaced with an implant.
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
Small, painless eyelid lump caused by a blocked gland.
A chalazion is an eyelid lump formed by a blocked gland. It often resolves with local care; a minor procedure may be offered if it persists.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Means-tested supplementary health coverage, with no extra fees.
People covered by the Complémentaire santé solidaire scheme cannot be charged extra fees, except where they make a special request.
Fees and reimbursementDedicated page: learn more
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis makes the eye red, watery and sometimes sticky. It may be viral, bacterial or allergic. Reduced vision or marked pain requires prompt medical assessment.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Contact lens fitting by an ophthalmologist or orthoptist.
Contact lens care provides vision correction with soft, rigid or scleral lenses, with follow-up to protect the cornea.
Vision correctionDedicated page: learn more
Transparent dome-shaped part at the front of the eye, providing most of its optical power.
The cornea is the eye’s window. Transparent and without blood vessels, it must retain its shape and clarity for clear vision. Its diseases are collectively known as corneal conditions.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Examination that maps the curvature of the cornea.
Corneal topography maps the shape of the cornea. It is essential for detecting keratoconus, assessing astigmatism or preparing for refractive surgery.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
Replacement of part or all of the cornea with donated tissue.
A corneal transplant replaces a diseased cornea with tissue from a deceased donor. Depending on the disease, the full thickness or only certain layers are replaced (lamellar or endothelial transplant).
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Treatment that strengthens the cornea using vitamin B2 and ultraviolet light to stabilise keratoconus.
Corneal cross-linking creates additional bonds between the cornea’s collagen fibres using riboflavin eye drops activated by ultraviolet light. It aims to halt the progression of keratoconus, not to provide perfect vision.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Transparent lens behind the iris that adjusts focus between distance and near vision.
The crystalline lens is a natural, transparent, flexible lens behind the iris. It changes shape to focus on nearby or distant objects. With age, it loses its flexibility (presbyopia), then its transparency (cataract).
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
Damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes, often with no symptoms for a long time.
Diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina. Retinopathy has no symptoms in its early stages, so regular retinal screening is essential for everyone with diabetes.
Insufficient or poor-quality tears: stinging, a gritty sensation and fluctuating vision.
Dry eye results from a lack of tears or poor tear-film quality. It causes burning, redness and sometimes fluctuating vision. Management combines eyelid hygiene, artificial tears and treatment of the cause.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Extended depth of focus implant: a continuous range of clear vision from far to intermediate distances.
EDOF (extended depth of focus) implants provide a continuous range of clear vision from distance to intermediate vision (computer, dashboard), with functional near vision.
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
A thin film that forms on the surface of the macula and distorts vision.
An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of tissue that contracts over the macula. It causes wavy lines and reduced vision; surgery is considered depending on how much it affects the patient.
Ultraviolet laser that reshapes the corneal surface with great precision.
The excimer laser removes micron-scale layers of cornea to change its curvature and correct the visual defect. It is used in PRK and LASIK.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
The portion of a fee above the French national health insurance reimbursement basis.
Extra fees are not reimbursed by French national health insurance; supplementary health insurance may cover part of them. Written information must be provided in advance when the extra fee reaches 70 euros.
Fees and reimbursementDedicated page: learn more
Reaction to pollen, dust mites or animals: itching, watering and red eyes.
Eye allergy causes intense itching, watering and swollen eyelids. It often affects both eyes and recurs seasonally.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Moving dots or strands in the field of vision, usually harmless.
Floaters are shadows cast by the vitreous. A sudden increase, flashes of light or a curtain over your vision require a retinal examination within 24 to 48 hours.
Inherited disease of the inner layer of the cornea, causing the cornea to swell and become cloudy.
In endothelial dystrophies, including Fuchs’ dystrophy, the cells of the cornea’s inner layer become depleted. The cornea swells and vision becomes hazy, particularly in the morning. Endothelial transplantation may be offered at advanced stages.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Examination of the back of the eye (retina and optic nerve), usually after dilating the pupil.
A fundus examination allows the retina, macula and optic nerve to be assessed. It is essential for screening for diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and retinal diseases.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
Disease of the optic nerve, most often linked to excessively high eye pressure, which narrows the visual field.
Glaucoma progressively damages the optic nerve, initially without pain or discomfort. The visual field narrows from the periphery. Screening every 2 to 3 years is recommended from age 50, or earlier with a family history.
GlaucomaDedicated page: learn more
Vision defect associated with an eye that is too short: visual fatigue, especially for near tasks.
A hypermetropic eye is too short: it must accommodate constantly, causing visual fatigue, particularly at near distances. In children, moderate hypermetropia may go unnoticed.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Implant placed in front of the retained crystalline lens, for high myopia that cannot be treated by laser.
A phakic implant (ICL) is a lens placed inside the eye without removing the natural crystalline lens. It is an alternative to laser treatment, particularly for high myopia or a thin cornea.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Artificial lens placed in the position of the crystalline lens during cataract surgery.
An intraocular lens is a small, flexible, durable artificial lens placed in the eye to replace the cloudy crystalline lens. Several types are available (monofocal, toric, multifocal and extended depth of focus); the choice depends on the eye, lifestyle and preoperative assessment.
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
Pressure of the fluid inside the eye, measured during the appointment.
Intraocular pressure depends on the balance between production and drainage of aqueous humour. High pressure is the main risk factor for glaucoma; it is measured painlessly during the appointment.
GlaucomaDedicated page: learn more
An injection of medicine into the eye under local anaesthesia to treat the retina.
An intravitreal injection delivers medicine (usually an anti-VEGF drug) into the vitreous with a fine needle after local anaesthesia. It is performed at the practice by the doctors, following a strict aseptic protocol.
Area between the iris and cornea through which aqueous humour drains.
A narrow angle creates a risk of acute angle-closure glaucoma, an emergency. Examination of the angle (gonioscopy) is part of the glaucoma assessment.
GlaucomaDedicated page: learn more
Small opening made in the iris using a laser to prevent or treat angle closure.
Iridotomy creates a passage for aqueous humour through the iris. It is offered for eyes with narrow angles to prevent acute glaucoma.
GlaucomaDedicated page: learn more
Inflammation or infection of the cornea: a red, painful eye that is sensitive to light.
Keratitis is a corneal condition, often caused by infection, particularly in contact lens wearers. It is painful and can leave lasting damage if not treated promptly.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Progressive thinning of the cornea, which becomes cone-shaped and distorts vision.
Keratoconus is a corneal disease most often discovered during adolescence or early adulthood. The cornea thins and changes shape, causing irregular astigmatism. Cross-linking can stabilise the disease.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Measurement of the curvature of the cornea.
Keratometry measures corneal curvature, which is essential for calculating intraocular lens power and fitting contact lenses.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
Laser technique: a corneal flap is lifted, the laser reshapes the cornea, then the flap is replaced.
LASIK combines creation of a thin corneal flap with excimer laser treatment. Visual recovery is rapid; suitability depends on corneal thickness and shape.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Laser treatment for diseased areas of the retina or to prevent retinal detachment.
Retinal laser treatment cauterises or strengthens areas of the retina, for example in the case of a tear or advanced diabetic retinopathy.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, often combined with cataract surgery.
MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) includes micro-implants and techniques that improve aqueous humour drainage through a minimally traumatic procedure. They are offered for certain cases of early to moderate glaucoma.
GlaucomaDedicated page: learn more
Central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision: reading and recognising faces.
The macula is the central part of the retina. Diseases affecting it (AMD, oedema, macular hole) reduce central vision and cause distorted lines, while peripheral vision remains preserved.
A hole in the macula: central vision becomes distorted or missing.
A macular hole is a break in the centre of the retina. It is treated with vitreous surgery to allow the macula to close.
Swelling of the macula due to a build-up of fluid, which blurs central vision.
Macular oedema can occur in diabetes or after a retinal vein occlusion. It is monitored using OCT and treated with intravitreal injections, laser treatment or eye drops, depending on the cause.
Implant with a single distance of clear focus, most often set for distance vision.
A monofocal implant is the standard implant. It corrects a single distance, usually distance vision; glasses are still generally needed for reading.
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
Implant providing clear focus at several distances (far, intermediate and near) to reduce dependence on glasses.
Multifocal implants distribute light between several focusing distances. They aim to reduce the need for glasses but may cause haloes or discomfort in low light; suitability is determined after a full assessment.
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
Distance vision defect: the eye is too long relative to its optical power.
In myopia, images form in front of the retina: distance vision is blurred, while near vision remains good. It worsens mainly during growth. It is corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
An imaging test that produces a very detailed cross-section of the retina or optic nerve in a few seconds.
OCT uses light to obtain cross-sectional images of the retina at micron scale. It is painless and non-contact, and is used to diagnose and monitor AMD, macular oedema and glaucoma.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
A scheme under which a doctor agrees to limit extra fees.
The OPTAM controlled-fee scheme commits the doctor to keeping extra fees moderate, which improves reimbursement for the patient under some supplementary health insurance policies.
Fees and reimbursementDedicated page: learn more
Bundle of nerve fibres that carries images from the retina to the brain.
The optic nerve connects each eye to the brain. Damage to it (glaucoma, neuropathies) causes visual field loss that is difficult to recover.
GlaucomaDedicated page: learn more
A healthcare professional who measures vision, screens for binocular vision problems and provides visual rehabilitation.
The orthoptist carries out tests before consultations (visual acuity, visual field, eye pressure and imaging), assesses and treats binocular vision problems, and may renew certain optical prescriptions under a protocol.
Surface laser treatment without a flap: the epithelium is removed, then the cornea is reshaped.
PRK treats the corneal surface without creating a flap. Recovery is slower than with LASIK, but it is suitable for thin corneas.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Measurement of corneal thickness.
Pachymetry measures corneal thickness. It forms part of the assessment for glaucoma and refractive surgery.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
Cataract surgery technique: the lens is broken up using ultrasound, then aspirated through a very small incision.
Phacoemulsification is the standard technique for cataract surgery. Through an incision of a few millimetres, the lens is broken up using ultrasound and aspirated before the implant is inserted. The procedure is brief and usually performed as day surgery.
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
Progressive loss of near focusing ability, beginning around age 45.
Presbyopia is normal ageing of the crystalline lens, which loses its flexibility. Near reading becomes difficult, often from age 45. It is corrected with glasses, contact lenses or, in suitable cases, surgery.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Drooping of the upper eyelid, which may interfere with sight.
Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. It may be age-related, have a neurological cause or be present from childhood. Surgery can correct it when it affects vision.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
Measurement of the optical correction needed: myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.
Refraction determines the lens power needed for clear vision. It is measured with instruments, then refined with the patient. It results in a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Procedures (laser, implants) that correct myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or presbyopia.
Refractive surgery includes techniques intended to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses: corneal laser treatment, an implant placed inside the eye or replacement of the crystalline lens. Suitability depends on a full assessment.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Light-sensitive membrane lining the back of the eye that sends images to the brain.
The retina captures light and converts it into nerve signals. Its diseases (AMD, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment and retinal vein occlusions) are treated by retinal specialists.
Separation of the retina from the wall of the eye: a surgical emergency.
Retinal detachment causes flashes, many new floaters and a curtain spreading across the field of vision. It requires prompt treatment.
A photograph of the back of the eye, useful for screening and follow-up.
Retinal photography captures images of the retina, sometimes without pupil dilation. Images are compared between visits, particularly for patients with diabetes.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
Laser technique that extracts a thin disc of tissue from inside the cornea through a small incision.
In SMILE, a laser cuts a small lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through an incision of a few millimetres. It mainly treats myopia and astigmatism.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
Large rigid lens that rests on the white of the eye and leaves a fluid reservoir in front of the cornea.
Scleral lenses have a large diameter and rest on the sclera without touching the cornea. They improve vision in an irregular cornea (keratoconus, transplant) and protect the ocular surface in severe dry eye.
Cornea and ocular surfaceDedicated page: learn more
A doctor's sector indicates whether they charge the French national health insurance rates (sector 1) or set their own fees (sector 2).
A sector 1 doctor charges the French national health insurance rates; a sector 2 doctor sets their own fees 'with tact and moderation'. The amount above the reimbursement basis is an extra fee.
Fees and reimbursementDedicated page: learn more
Laser treatment that improves drainage of fluid from the eye to lower pressure, without an incision.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) acts on the tissue that drains aqueous humour. The session is brief and requires no incision; the effect on pressure varies between patients and may diminish over time.
GlaucomaDedicated page: learn more
Misalignment of one eye relative to the other.
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes. In children, it can lead to amblyopia if it is not treated in time.
ChildrenDedicated page: learn more
Corneal laser treatment intended to improve near vision (presbyopia), performed with the Teneo 2 laser.
Supracor treatment reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser to improve near vision in patients with presbyopia, without replacing the crystalline lens. It is offered at Annecy Laser Vision using the Teneo 2 laser, after an assessment to check the eye’s suitability.
RefractionDedicated page: learn more
The patient does not pay all or part of the consultation fee upfront.
With third-party payment, French national health insurance and/or supplementary health insurance pay the doctor directly for the portion they cover. Depending on the circumstances, this may cover part or all of the fee.
Fees and reimbursementDedicated page: learn more
A technique for obtaining cross-sectional images (OCT) of the eye.
Eye tomography refers to cross-sectional imaging tests, such as OCT of the retina or anterior segment.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
Implant that also corrects corneal astigmatism.
A toric implant combines correction of distance vision with correction of astigmatism. It must be precisely aligned in the eye during surgery.
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
Inflammation inside the eye: redness, pain, light sensitivity and reduced vision.
The uvea is the middle layer of the eye. Its inflammation (uveitis) may be isolated or associated with a systemic disease. Appropriate assessment and treatment are needed to protect vision.
InflammationDedicated page: learn more
A blockage in a retinal vein, which can cause sudden loss of vision.
Retinal vein occlusion often occurs in people with high blood pressure or other vascular risk factors. It can lead to macular oedema, which is treated with injections.
The extent of what can be seen without moving the eyes, measured by a computerised examination.
Visual field testing assesses central and peripheral vision. It is used to detect and monitor glaucoma and other optic nerve or retinal diseases.
ExaminationsDedicated page: learn more
The transparent gel that fills the inside of the eye.
The vitreous is a gel that becomes more liquid with age. It can separate from the retina (posterior vitreous detachment) and cause floaters.
Brief, painless laser treatment that opens the membrane that has become cloudy behind the implant (secondary cataract).
Months or years after surgery, the thin membrane supporting the implant can become cloudy and blur vision: this is secondary cataract. A brief YAG laser session, without an incision, opens this membrane and restores vision.
Crystalline lens and cataractDedicated page: learn more
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