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Optical Glossary
The Isolani Optical Glossary brings together the key terms relating to vision, lenses, treatments, light and the technologies that characterise the Isolani Experience. It is a tool designed to help people understand the optical solutions available at Isolani Optical Centres, exclusively within the optical retail sector.
The Glossary complements the Isolani Experience services, which help people choose the most suitable optical solutions. A series of video podcasts is also available, covering the main topics relating to vision, to explore each subject in a clear and accessible way.
Visual impairments
- Myopia — Difficulty seeing things at a distance.
- Hyperopia — Difficulty seeing things up close.
- Astigmatism — Irregular focusing in all directions.
- Presbyopia — Reduced ability to focus on close objects with age.
- Ametropia — Presence of a visual defect (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism).
- Emmetropia — Eye without visual defects, natural vision.
- Anisometropia — Difference in dioptric power between the two eyes.
- Diplopia — Perception of two images of the same object.
- Low vision — Significant reduction in residual visual acuity.
Visual functions and coordination
- Binocular vision — Integration of images from both eyes.
- Convergence — A coordinated inward movement of the eyes.
- Accommodation — Adjusting the focus to different distances.
- Ocular dominance — A natural preference for a guiding eye.
- Stereopsis — Perception of depth.
- Field of view — The total area perceived without moving one’s eyes.
- Peripheral vision — Lateral rather than central perception.
- Central vision — Perception of detail in the foveal area.
- Night vision — The ability to see in low light.
- Colour vision — Ability to distinguish colours.
- Visual contrast — The ability to distinguish objects that resemble the background.
- Contrast sensitivity — The ability to perceive differences in brightness.
- Colour perception — The ability to distinguish between shades and colour differences.
- Visual acuity — Ability to distinguish details and image sharpness.
- Visual resolution — The ability to distinguish very fine details.
Light, brightness and light perception
- Adaptation to light — The eye’s ability to cope with changes in light levels.
- Glare — Reduced visual acuity in bright light.
- Glare — Light scattered across the lens surface.
- Light transmission — Percentage of light passing through a lens.
- Light absorption — Amount of light absorbed by a lens.
- Absorption category — Sunglass classification (Cat. 0–4).
- Transmittance — Percentage of light passing through a lens (T%).
Optical parameters and measurements
- Dioptre — Unit of measurement for the power of ophthalmic lenses.
- Prism — Controlled deviation of light in ophthalmic lenses.
- Cylinder — Correction of visual irregularities in ophthalmic lenses.
- Axis — Orientation of the cylindrical correction in ophthalmic lenses.
- Addition — Power difference for near vision in multifocal lenses.
- Equivalent power — Combination of sphere and cylinder in ophthalmic lenses.
- Base curve — Lens curvature and frame compatibility.
- Lens thickness — Aesthetics, comfort and technical parameters.
Lens materials and geometry
- Organic materials — Lightweight, durable and safe lenses.
- Inorganic materials — Scratch-resistant lenses with high optical quality.
- Refractive index — The material’s ability to refract light.
- Lens geometry — The optical shape that determines visual performance.
- Aspheric lenses — More natural vision and thinner lenses.
- High-index lenses — Thinner and lighter lenses for high prescriptions.
- Free-form lenses — Digital surface customisation.
Lens coatings
- Anti-reflective coating — Reduced glare and greater clarity.
- Hardening coating — Scratch protection.
- Hydrophobic coating — Water repellency.
- Oleophobic coating — Reduced fingerprints.
- Antistatic coating — Dust reduction.
- Multi-layer coating — Comprehensive multi-layer protection.
- Mirrored coating — Visual comfort and style in sunglasses.
- Blue light filter — Digital comfort and visual quality.
Types of ophthalmic lenses
- Single-vision lenses — Correction for a single distance.
- Progressive lenses — Natural vision at all distances.
- Office lenses — Optimal vision for work and indoor environments.
- Digital-use lenses — Visual comfort for computers and smartphones.
- Children’s lenses — Safety, comfort and myopia management.
- Lenses for driving — Safe vision and comfort whilst driving.
- Sports lenses — Colours, contrast and visual performance.
- Photochromic lenses — Automatic adaptation to light.
- Polarised lenses — Visual comfort, colours and performance in sport.
Contact lenses
- Contact lenses — Types, materials and advanced contact lens practice.
- Soft contact lenses — Comfort, materials and main uses.
Sunglasses and light management
- Sunglasses — Visual comfort, categories and technologies.
- Mirrored coating — Glare reduction and style.
- Absorption category — Sunglass classification (0–4).
- Transmittance — Percentage of light passing through the lens.
Isolani Experience and further information
The Isolani Optical Glossary complements the vision-related programmes and services, guiding people through a comprehensive and informed experience.
- Advanced Contact Lenses — A programme dedicated to the selection and management of contact lenses.
- Behavioural Centring — Assessment of real-use lens parameters.
- Simulation Room — Testing lenses under real-life conditions.
- Custom-made glasses — Complete customisation of frames and lenses.
- Isolani Podcast — Audio insights into vision-related topics.
Isolani Experience and further information
The Isolani Optical Glossary complements the vision-related programmes and services, guiding people through a comprehensive and informed experience.
- Advanced Contact Lenses — A programme dedicated to the selection and management of contact lenses.
- Behavioural Centring — Assessment of real-use lens parameters.
- Simulation Room — Testing lenses under real-life conditions.
- Custom-made glasses — Complete customisation of frames and lenses.
- Isolani Podcast — Audio insights into vision-related topics.
How to use this glossary
Each term is explained in a clear and accessible way, with the aim of enhancing your experience at Isolani Optical Centres and making it easier to understand the vision solutions available. The glossary is progressively updated and expanded to provide an increasingly comprehensive and reliable reference.
The definitions in the Isolani Optical Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and relate to the optical and commercial sectors. They do not contain any medical, clinical or diagnostic information.