Phacometer is a device used in ophthalmology to measure the refractive power of the lens. The phonetic transcription of phacometer is /fəˈkɒmɪtə/. The initial sound of the word is /f/ followed by the schwa /ə/ sound. The stress is on the second syllable, which is /kɒm/. The final syllable, /ɪtər/, ends with the sound /r/. The spelling of this word is derived from the Greek word for lens, "phacos", and the suffix "-meter", meaning measurement.
A phacometer is a scientific instrument used in ophthalmology, particularly for the measurement of the refractive power and prescription of lenses. It is designed to determine the precise power of a lens, usually while it is inside an eyeglass frame or a trial frame, which is then used to correct various visual impairments such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
The phacometer consists of a fixed object or target positioned at a known distance from the eye, and an adjustable lens attached to a movable arm. The patient's eye focuses on the target, and the examiner changes the lens power until the target appears clear to the patient. The resulting lens power is then recorded as the prescription for the patient.
This measuring device enables optometrists and ophthalmologists to accurately assess the refractive errors of individuals, facilitating the creation of customized lenses that will correct their specific vision problems. It is a vital tool in the eyeglass and contact lens manufacturing industry, ensuring that the lenses produced meet the desired specifications and provide optimal visual correction for the wearer.
In summary, a phacometer is an indispensable instrument used in ophthalmology to determine the refractive power of lenses for correcting various vision impairments, contributing to the enhanced visual acuity and quality of life for individuals with such impairments.
1. A device for determining the refractive power of a lens. 2. Phacoscope.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "phacometer" is derived from the combination of two roots: "phaco-" and "-meter".
1. "Phaco-" is derived from the Greek word "phakos", meaning "lens". It is often used as a prefix related to lenses, such as in words like "phacocele" (lens hernia) or "phacoemulsification" (a type of eye surgery).
2. "-Meter" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "metron", meaning "measure". It is frequently used in scientific terminology to denote an instrument or device that measures or detects something.
Combining these two roots, "phaco-" and "-meter", gives us "phacometer", which refers to an instrument used to measure or analyze lenses, typically in the field of optics or ophthalmology.