Ophthalmodynamometer is a medical device used to measure the pressure inside the eye. The spelling of this word may appear daunting at first, but it can be broken down into manageable parts using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Ophthalmo-" is pronounced /ɑfθælmə/, which refers to the eye. "Dynamo-" is pronounced /daɪnəmoʊ/, meaning power or force. "-Meter" is pronounced /mitər/, indicating a measuring device. Thus, "ophthalmodynamometer" reflects the combination of these elements to convey the purpose and function of the device.
An ophthalmodynamometer is a medical device used to measure the pressure within the blood vessels of the eye. It is primarily employed in ophthalmology and vascular medicine to assess the blood flow and pressure in the central retinal artery, which supplies blood to the retina. This non-invasive tool allows clinicians to evaluate the circulation and detect potential abnormalities or diseases affecting the optic nerve head or the retina's blood supply.
The ophthalmodynamometer consists of a small handheld instrument equipped with a pressure bulb and a manometer. The process involves the application of pressure to the eyeball or eye socket using the bulb, while the manometer simultaneously measures the resistance or pressure of blood flow within the central retinal artery. The recorded pressure readings can be interpreted by medical professionals to determine if the blood vessels are narrowed, blocked, or experiencing increased pressure.
This diagnostic technique provides valuable information regarding the health of the eye's blood vessels and aids in the evaluation and management of various ocular conditions such as hypertensive retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, ocular ischemic syndrome, and retinal vein occlusion. The ophthalmodynamometer offers a non-invasive and relatively simple approach to assess and monitor the ocular blood flow, contributing to accurate diagnosis, disease progression tracking, and appropriate treatment planning.
An instrument for determining the power of convergence of the eyes as regards the near point of vision.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ophthalmodynamometer" is a compound word derived from three Greek roots: "ophthalmos" meaning "eye", "dynamis" meaning "force" or "power", and "metron" meaning "measure".
The first part of the word, "ophthalmos", refers to the eye, indicating that the term is related to something about the eye. The second part, "dynamis", suggests that it involves measuring force or power. Lastly, the suffix "-meter" is a common Greek root used to denote an instrument used for measuring.
When combined, "ophthalmodynamometer" refers to a device used to measure the force or pressure inside the eye, specifically to assess the ocular circulation or the blood flow within the eye.