EXOPHTHALMOMETER Meaning and
Definition
-
An exophthalmometer is a specialized medical instrument used to measure the degree of protrusion or bulging of the eyeballs known as exophthalmos. Also known as an exophthalmometer or proptometer, it is primarily employed in the field of ophthalmology to accurately assess the severity of exophthalmos in patients with certain conditions, such as thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease).
The exophthalmometer consists of a central ruler-like element, typically made of metal or plastic, that is calibrated and marked with numbers or measurements. This ruler is placed against the patient's forehead, aligning it with the brow line, while the protruding ends rest gently on the respective eyeballs. The degree of protrusion is determined by the difference in measurements between the two ends of the instrument.
To ensure precise measurement, the patient is instructed to look straight ahead during the examination. The exophthalmometer helps ophthalmologists gauge the amount of forward displacement of the eyeballs, providing an accurate quantitative assessment. This information is crucial for diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and facilitating the planning of appropriate management strategies.
With the advancement of modern technology, certain electronic exophthalmometers have been developed to provide more accurate and objective measurements. These devices utilize lasers or optical sensors to capture and calculate the degree of exophthalmos, eliminating potential human errors in measurement interpretation. Such innovation has contributed to the enhancement of diagnostic precision and the management of exophthalmos-related conditions.
-
An instrument for measuring the amount of protrusion of the eyeball.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EXOPHTHALMOMETER
- exophthalmometeb
- exophthalmometez
- exophthalmometev
- exophthalmometep
- exophthalmometes
- exophthalmomeatr
- e xophthalmometer
- ex ophthalmometer
- exoph thalmometer
- exopht halmometer
- exophth almometer
- exophtha lmometer
- exophthal mometer
- exophthalm ometer
- exophthalmo meter
- exophthalmom eter
- exophthalmome ter
- exophthalmomet er
- exophthalmomete r
Etymology of EXOPHTHALMOMETER
The word "exophthalmometer" is derived from two Greek roots: "exophthalmos" and "metron".
- "Exophthalmos" (ἐξοφθαλμός) comes from the combination of "ex" (ἐξ), meaning "out" or "outside", and "ophthalmos" (ὀφθαλμός), meaning "eye". "Exophthalmos" refers to a medical condition in which the eyeball protrudes from its socket, commonly known as "proptosis" or "bulging eyes".
- "Metron" (μέτρον) means "measurement" or "measure". It is used as a suffix in many scientific and medical terms to denote instruments or devices used for measuring.
