minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is a group of modern procedures designed to lower eye pressure in glaucoma. It aims to improve the eye’s fluid drainage using small incisions and minimal tissue disruption. It is most commonly used for open-angle glaucoma, often at the time of cataract surgery. It is considered an option when eye drops and laser treatments are not enough or are difficult to maintain.

MIGS stands for **minimally invasive glaucoma surgery**. It refers to a group of **small-incision surgical procedures** designed to help lower **intraocular pressure (IOP)**. MIGS is most commonly used for **glaucoma**, especially mild to moderate disease. Many MIGS procedures are performed **at the time of cataract surgery**, though some are done on their own.

A punctal plug is a small medical device placed into the tear drainage opening of the eyelid. It is used to slow tear drainage so the eye surface stays moist longer. It is most commonly used in dry eye disease and related ocular surface conditions. It may be inserted temporarily to “trial” tear drainage blockage or used longer term, depending on the type.

eyelid scrubs are lid-hygiene products used to clean the eyelid margins (the edge of the eyelids where lashes grow). They are commonly used as part of care for blepharitis and dry eye conditions linked to the eyelids. They can be used at home or as part of an eye clinic’s treatment plan. They are not the same as eye drops and are not placed directly into the eye.

A dry eye flare is a period when dry eye symptoms suddenly worsen compared with a person’s usual baseline. It is commonly used in clinics to describe episodic “bad days” within dry eye disease (DED). The term helps patients and clinicians communicate changes in comfort, vision, and eye surface irritation. It also highlights that triggers and inflammation can temporarily intensify a chronic condition.

A dacryolith is a small “stone” or concretion that forms within the tear drainage system. It can block normal tear outflow and contribute to watering, discharge, or infection. The term is most commonly used in ophthalmology (and sometimes ENT) when evaluating tearing complaints. It may be identified during an eye exam, irrigation/testing of the tear ducts, imaging, or surgery.

dacryostenosis means narrowing (stenosis) of part of the tear drainage system. It commonly refers to blockage in the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears into the nose. It is a frequent reason for watery eyes and recurrent discharge. The term is used in eye clinics, pediatric care, and oculoplastic (eyelid/tear-duct) practice.

dacryocystitis is inflammation and usually infection of the lacrimal sac (the tear drainage “bag” near the inner corner of the eye). It most often happens when the tear drainage pathway is blocked and fluid builds up. The term is commonly used in eye clinics and emergency settings to describe a specific cause of painful inner-corner swelling and tearing. It is relevant to both patient symptoms and clinical decision-making in ophthalmology.

canaliculitis is an inflammation, usually due to infection, of the canaliculi (small tear-drainage channels) in the eyelids. It most often involves the canaliculus near the inner corner of the eye where tears enter the drainage system. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology and optometry when evaluating persistent tearing or chronic eyelid discharge. It can mimic common conditions like conjunctivitis, so clear identification matters in clinical practice.

punctal stenosis is a narrowing of the tiny tear-drain openings (puncta) on the eyelid margin. It commonly leads to watery eyes because tears cannot drain normally into the nose. It is a diagnosis discussed in eye clinics when evaluating tearing, irritation, or chronic eyelid inflammation. It is also a concept taught in ophthalmology and optometry when learning the tear drainage system.

nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a blockage in the tear drainage pathway from the eye to the nose. It commonly causes watery eyes because tears cannot drain normally. The term is used in eye clinics, emergency care, and pediatrics when evaluating tearing and discharge. It can be present at birth or develop later in life.

A watery eye means tears overflow onto the eyelid or cheek more than expected. It is commonly described in clinics as “excess tearing” or “epiphora.” It can happen because the eye makes more tears, because tears do not drain normally, or both. The term is used by patients and eye-care professionals to describe a symptom, not a single disease.

UV keratitis is a short-term injury to the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea) caused by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. It is also commonly called photokeratitis, “snow blindness,” or “welder’s flash.” It typically shows up hours after exposure with eye pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Clinicians use the term to describe a recognizable pattern of symptoms and exam findings after UV exposure.

photokeratitis is an acute injury to the cornea caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is sometimes described as a “sunburn of the eye,” mainly affecting the corneal surface. It commonly occurs after exposure to UV sources such as sunlight reflected off snow or water, welding arcs, or tanning devices. The term is used in eye care to describe a recognizable pattern of symptoms and exam findings after UV exposure.

A thermal burn is tissue damage caused by heat. In eye care, it can affect the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, or deeper eye structures. The term is also used for controlled heat injury created on purpose during some ophthalmic procedures. This overview explains the concept in a patient-friendly, clinically precise way.

An acid burn is a chemical injury caused by contact with an acidic substance. In eye care, the term usually refers to acid exposure to the eye surface (cornea and conjunctiva). Acid burns can occur in homes, workplaces, laboratories, and industrial settings.

An alkali burn is a chemical injury caused by a basic (high‑pH) substance contacting the eye or surrounding tissues. In eye care, it most often refers to a chemical burn of the cornea and conjunctiva. Alkali chemicals are commonly used in household cleaners, industrial products, and construction materials. These exposures are clinically important because alkalis can penetrate eye tissues quickly.

A chemical burn is tissue damage caused when a chemical substance contacts the body and injures cells. In eye care, a chemical burn most often refers to injury of the ocular surface (cornea and conjunctiva) after exposure to liquids, powders, or fumes. It is a clinical term used in emergency triage, eye clinic documentation, and follow-up care. Common exposure settings include household cleaning, workplace chemicals, and industrial accidents.

ocular cicatricial pemphigoid is a chronic autoimmune condition that can scar the conjunctiva, the thin lining over the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It is part of a broader group called mucous membrane pemphigoid, which can affect the eyes and other mucosal surfaces. In the clinic, the term is used when eye findings suggest immune-driven conjunctival inflammation with progressive scarring. It matters because scarring can threaten comfort, the ocular surface, and vision over time.