draping is the placement of a sterile covering around a treatment area. It helps create a clean field and separates the eye from nearby skin, hair, and clothing. It is commonly used during eye surgery and some in-office procedures. It may include adhesive edges or openings that expose only the eye being treated.
A sterile field is a carefully prepared area that is kept free of germs during a medical procedure. It uses sterile drapes, instruments, and gloves to reduce contamination. In eye care, it is commonly used for surgeries and certain in-office procedures like injections. Its goal is to lower the chance that microbes reach delicate eye tissues.
post-op follow-up means the planned check-ins after an eye procedure or surgery. It is used to confirm healing, measure vision, and look for complications early. It is commonly scheduled after cataract surgery, laser vision correction, glaucoma procedures, and retinal treatments. It can happen in a clinic visit, and sometimes parts of it may be done remotely depending on the case.
pre-op assessment means the evaluation done before an eye procedure or surgery. It combines eye measurements, medical history, and risk checks to support safe planning. It is commonly used before cataract surgery, laser vision correction, and many retinal or glaucoma procedures. It helps the care team choose the right approach and set realistic expectations.
informed consent is a structured conversation and agreement that happens before a medical test or treatment. It means you receive understandable information and have a real choice about what happens next. It is commonly used in eye exams, diagnostic imaging, medications, injections, and eye surgery. It also documents that questions were invited and that your decision was voluntary.
amniotic membrane is a thin biologic tissue that comes from the innermost layer of the placenta. In eye care, it is processed and used as a protective covering or graft on the surface of the eye. It is commonly used to support healing of the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) and conjunctiva (the thin lining over the white of the eye). Clinicians use it in both clinic-based and surgical settings, depending on the problem being treated.
A bandage contact lens is a soft contact lens used mainly to protect the surface of the eye. It acts like a “bandage” over the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). It is commonly used in ophthalmology and optometry clinics for healing, comfort, and surface protection. It is not primarily intended for routine vision correction, although it may affect vision.
punctal plugs are small medical devices placed in the tear drainage openings of the eyelids. They are commonly used to help the eye keep tears on the surface longer. They are most often discussed in the context of dry eye disease and ocular surface irritation. They are typically placed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist in an office setting.
intravitreal drugs are medications placed directly inside the eye, into the vitreous gel. They are most commonly delivered by an office-based injection performed by an ophthalmologist. The goal is to treat diseases affecting the retina (the light-sensing tissue) and nearby structures. They are widely used in modern care for retinal conditions that can threaten central vision.
azelastine is a medication used to reduce allergy-related symptoms. It belongs to the antihistamine class and is commonly used for allergic eye and nasal conditions. In eye care, it is most often prescribed as an ophthalmic solution (eye drop) for allergic conjunctivitis. It is also available in nasal spray forms for allergic rhinitis, which can overlap with eye allergy symptoms.
alcaftadine is a prescription eye drop used to reduce itchy eyes related to allergies. It is most commonly used for allergic conjunctivitis, a condition where the eye surface reacts to allergens. Clinicians use it in outpatient eye care, including optometry and ophthalmology clinics. It is typically used for symptom control rather than curing the underlying allergy.
ketotifen is a medication used to reduce allergy-related inflammation and itching. In eye care, it is most commonly used as an ophthalmic (eye drop) treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. It belongs to a class of medicines with antihistamine and mast cell–stabilizing effects. In some regions, ketotifen is also available in oral forms for allergic conditions.
olopatadine is a medication used to reduce allergy-related eye symptoms. It is most commonly used as an eye drop for allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies). In clinical terms, it works as an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer. It is used in eye care settings to relieve itching and related surface irritation.
anti-allergy drops are eye drops used to reduce allergy-related itching, redness, and watering. They are most commonly used for allergic conjunctivitis, a surface irritation of the eye. Some anti-allergy drops are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. They are used in everyday eye care clinics, urgent eye visits, and seasonal allergy management.
glaucoma drops are prescription eye drops used to lower eye pressure. They are commonly used to manage glaucoma and ocular hypertension. They work by changing how fluid moves in and out of the eye. They are typically used long term with regular eye exams.
subconjunctival anesthesia is a way to numb the eye by placing a local anesthetic just under the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is commonly used for certain eye procedures done on the ocular surface (the front, outer tissues of the eye). It may also be used as an add-on to other anesthesia methods to improve comfort.
lidocaine gel is a local anesthetic in a gel form that temporarily numbs tissue. It is used to reduce pain or discomfort during exams and minor procedures. In eye care, it may be used on or around the eye in selected clinical settings. Its use depends on the specific formulation and the clinician’s preference.
tetracaine is a local anesthetic medication that temporarily numbs tissue. In eye care, it is most commonly used as a topical anesthetic drop to numb the surface of the eye. It helps clinicians perform exams and minor procedures with less discomfort. Its effects are short-acting and intended for supervised clinical use.
proparacaine is a topical anesthetic eye drop that temporarily numbs the surface of the eye. It is used to reduce pain and blinking during eye exams and minor in-office procedures. It works quickly and wears off relatively soon in most people. It is most commonly used in ophthalmology and optometry clinics rather than at home.
A local anesthetic is a medication that temporarily numbs a specific area of the body. In eye care, local anesthetic is commonly used to reduce pain and blinking during exams and procedures. It can be applied as eye drops, gel, or an injection around the eye. It allows many ophthalmology and optometry procedures to be performed while the patient remains awake.