opacification
Clouding
Plain-language definition
Loss of transparency in a normally clear eye structure - for example, posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery or corneal scarring.
Where this term comes up
“A painful red eye with a white or gray corneal opacity requires same-day evaluation.”
Condition · Corneal Ulcer (Infectious Keratitis)
“It's especially valuable when the doctor cannot see the back of the eye directly, for example, when a vitreous hemorrhage, dense cataract, or other opacity blocks the view.”
Test · B-Scan Ultrasound
“Cotton-wool spots are focal infarcts of the retinal nerve fiber layer, caused by occlusion of small precapillary arterioles, seen clinically as fluffy white opacities”
Finding · Cotton-Wool Spots
- Category
- Condition, finding, or disease process
- Also written as
- opacities, opacity
Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.
Related glossary terms
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.