Eye care

Glossary

Allergen - Any substance that causes an allergic response and the onset of symptoms and allergy

Blepharitis - Inflammation of the eyelids caused by allergy or infection

Conjunctiva - Transparent film that lines the surface of the eye and inner side of the eyelids

Conjunctiivitis - The general term for redness and inflammation of the eye

Histamine - An inflammatory substance produced by the body that is responsible for causing allergy symptoms. It is found widely in the body, and it is the increased release of histamine in response to an allergen that results in most of the characteristic symptoms of allergy

Immunoglobulin - A molecule that is produced by the immune system to block or neutralise the effects of potentially harmful substances

Lachrymal Glands - Responsible for the production of the aqueous component of tears

Lysozyme - An enzyme present in tears that has an anti-bacterial activity

Mast Cells - Mast cells are special cells that are found in the body linings that are packed with histamine and other mediators (messengers) of inflammation. Contact with allergens causes the mast cells to burst, releasing their contents into the surrounding tissues, which starts the allergic response

Meibomian Glands - Responsible for the secretion of lipids that form the outer part of the tear film, and prevent evaporation of the aqueous layer

Orbit - Bony socket surrounding and protecting the eyeball

Stye - A red, painful and inflammed section of the eyelid, caused by the infection of an eyelash hair follicle