Laser Eye Surgery Glossary

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    R

    Refraction

    The bending of light wave as they pass from one medium to another. Further reading

    Refractive correction

    This is the process of correcting refractive errors. There are many different forms of refractive correction, such as spectacles, contact lenses, surgical and non surgical laser eye procedures and also non-laser vision correction procedures such as CK.

    Refractive Errors

    Imperfections in the focusing power of the eye, for example, hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. Further reading

    Refractive surgery

    Any surgical procedure that attempts to decrease the patient's refractive error. Leser eye surgery, Intra ocular Lens impolants, and CK are all forms of refractive surgery. Further reading

    Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

    Standing for Refractive Lens Exchange, this vision correction treatment uses a kind of Intra ocular lens to replace the eye's natural lens via an artificial equivalent. This will be customised to compensate for the eye's imperfection and will reduce or eradicate the need for glasses and contact lenses. This vision correction treatment is generally effective for the over-50's.

    Regimen

    The precise doses and frequencies of medications.

    Registered nurse

    Nurse who is registered with the government to perform certain levels of care. Further reading

    Regression

    A backwards shift from the initial visual outcome of laser eye surgery.

    Retina

    The film at the back of the eye on to which the viewed image must be focused to ensure a sharp picture is communicated to the brain. Further reading

    Retinal detachment

    Damage to this thin membrane can occur as a result of an eye or head injury, but there can also be a genetic link to retinal disease. Very high short-sightedness (myopia) can occasionally 'stretch' the retina and lead to detachment. This is a separation of the retina from the outer layers of the eye. It can occasionally cause symptoms such as floaters (though these are not necessarily an indication of detachment) or bright flashes of light in the peripheral vision. This can usually be successfully treated if detected early. Further reading

    Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO)

    Official body that authorises Ophthalmologists to practice.

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