Medical Terminology Chapter 17: Eye and Ear Abbreviations

Eye Abbreviations

• OD: Refers to the right eye, commonly used in prescriptions and medical records.
• OS: Denotes the left eye, contrasting with OD in ocular assessments.
• OU: Indicates both eyes, utilized in contexts where bilateral assessment is necessary.

Ear Abbreviations

• AD: Stands for the right ear, commonly seen in hearing tests and audiology reports.
• AS: Refers to the left ear, used similarly to AD for ear-related evaluations.
• AU: Represents both ears, necessary for comprehensive auditory assessments.

Medical Terms

• PERRLA: An acronym that describes pupils as equal, round, reactive to light, and accommodating; essential for neurological and ophthalmological evaluations.
• VA: Stands for visual acuity, a critical measure of sight clarity, used in eye exams.
• ETD: Refers to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, a condition affecting ear pressure and potentially leading to hearing issues.
• PE Tube: Stands for Pressure Equalizing Tube, often used in procedures to address recurring ear infections or fluid buildup.
• ENT: An abbreviation for the field of Ears, Nose, and Throat, encompassing a range of specialized medical care.