Horometry is a term used to describe the measurement of the range of motion of the eye muscles. The spelling of this word can be explained by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /hɔːrɒmɪtri/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound and the stressed syllable is the third, which is pronounced with a short "o" sound. The word ends with the suffix "-metry", which means measure. Horometry is an important test for diagnosing conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia.
Horometry is a term derived from the Latin word "horologium," which means a timekeeping device or instrument. In the field of ophthalmology, horometry refers to a clinical assessment technique used to measure and evaluate the patient's ability to perceive and distinguish different levels of brightness or luminance. It is primarily used to assess visual function, particularly in conditions related to contrast sensitivity.
During a horometry test, the patient is typically presented with a series of black and white or grayscale patterns displayed on a device called a horometer. The patient is then asked to identify or discriminate between these patterns based on variations in their luminance or brightness. The horometer records the patient's responses, allowing the healthcare professional to determine their contrast sensitivity and, consequently, their visual acuity or ability to discern details.
Horometry is considered particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as glaucoma, retinal diseases, cataracts, and other visual impairments affecting contrast sensitivity. By quantifying the patient's ability to distinguish different luminance levels, horometry aids in evaluating the extent and progression of these ocular conditions. It also provides valuable information for determining appropriate treatment strategies, including the effectiveness of interventions such as corrective lenses or surgical procedures.
Overall, horometry is a valuable clinical tool employed by ophthalmologists and optometrists to objectively assess contrast sensitivity and visual function, thereby helping to guide diagnostic and treatment decisions, as well as to monitor the progression of various ocular conditions.
The art or practice of measuring time.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Horometry" has Greek origins.
It derives from the combination of two Greek words:
1. "Hora" (ὥρα) meaning "hour" or "time".
2. "Metron" (μέτρον) meaning "measure" or "measurement".
When combined, these words form "Horometry", which can be roughly translated as "measurement of time" or "the science of time".