What it means
Two roots for the eye. Ocul/o gives ocular (about the eye), intraocular pressure (the pressure inside the eye, raised in glaucomaglaw-KOH-muhAn eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually with raised pressure inside the eye, leading to loss of vision.Full entry ) and oculomotor (eye movement). Ophthalm/o gives ophthalmology (the study and treatment of eye disease), ophthalmic (for the eye, as in ophthalmic drops) and ophthalmoscope.
For the nurse
Check that eye drops are labeled ophthalmic before use; ear (otic) drops must never go in the eye.
At a glance
| Also written | oculo-, ophthalm/o, ophthalmo- |
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Related terms
glaucoma
An eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually with raised pressure inside the eye, leading to loss of vision.
eyelid
Either of the two folds of skin and muscle that cover and protect the front of the eye.
-scope
A word ending that means an instrument for looking or examining.
macular degeneration
An eye disease in which the macula, the center of the retina used for sharp, straight-ahead vision, slowly breaks down.