Word parts
ophthalm/o eye-ic relating to
What it means
Ophthalmic drops and ointments are sterile and made for the eye only. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who treats eye diseases. ISMP lists the eye abbreviations OD, OS and OU as error-prone; write "right eye", "left eye" and "both eyes".
For the nurse
For eye drops, have the client look up, pull the lower lid down to make a pocket and place the drop in it without touching the eye. Then have the client press lightly at the inside corner of the eye, beside the nose, for 1 to 2 minutes. Wait about 5 minutes between different drops, and give drops before ointment.
At a glance
| Spanish | oftálmico |
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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.