Ophthalmology is one of the most documentation-intensive medical specialties. Due to the complexity of eye anatomy, diagnostic testing, and surgical procedures, abbreviations are widely used in ophthalmology charts, operative notes, imaging reports, and follow-up visits. Having access to a comprehensive ophthalmology abbreviations list is essential for accurate communication, proper documentation, and efficient clinical workflows.
This extensive guide covers commonly used ophthalmology abbreviations across multiple subspecialties, including general eye exams, diagnostics, glaucoma, retina, cornea, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatrics, and surgery.
General Eye & Vision Abbreviations
- OD – Oculus Dexter (Right Eye)
- OS – Oculus Sinister (Left Eye)
- OU – Oculus Uterque (Both Eyes)
- VA – Visual Acuity
- BCVA – Best Corrected Visual Acuity
- UCVA – Uncorrected Visual Acuity
- IOP – Intraocular Pressure
- EOM – Extraocular Movements
- PERRLA – Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation
- NLP – No Light Perception
- LP – Light Perception
- CF – Counting Fingers
- HM – Hand Motion
- PH – Pinhole
- MRx – Manifest Refraction
- CRx – Cycloplegic Refraction
Diagnostic & Imaging Abbreviations
- OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography
- OCTA – Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
- HVF – Humphrey Visual Field
- VF – Visual Field
- FA – Fluorescein Angiography
- ICG – Indocyanine Green Angiography
- A-Scan – Axial Length Measurement
- B-Scan – Ocular Ultrasound
- ERG – Electroretinogram
- EOG – Electrooculogram
- VEP – Visual Evoked Potential
- K – Keratometry
- CCT – Central Corneal Thickness
- Pachy – Pachymetry
Anterior Segment & Cornea Abbreviations
- AC – Anterior Chamber
- ACIOL – Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lens
- PK – Penetrating Keratoplasty
- DALK – Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
- DSAEK – Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
- DMEK – Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
- LASIK – Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
- PRK – Photorefractive Keratectomy
- KCS – Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
- SPK – Superficial Punctate Keratitis
- MGD – Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
- CL – Contact Lens
Retina & Vitreous Abbreviations
- DR – Diabetic Retinopathy
- NPDR – Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
- PDR – Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
- AMD – Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- ARMD – Age-Related Macular Disease
- CME – Cystoid Macular Edema
- DME – Diabetic Macular Edema
- RD – Retinal Detachment
- RVO – Retinal Vein Occlusion
- CRVO – Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
- BRVO – Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
- ERM – Epiretinal Membrane
- MH – Macular Hole
- VH – Vitreous Hemorrhage
Glaucoma Abbreviations
- POAG – Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
- PACG – Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- NTG – Normal Tension Glaucoma
- OHTN – Ocular Hypertension
- SLT – Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
- ALT – Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty
- LPI – Laser Peripheral Iridotomy
- C/D Ratio – Cup-to-Disc Ratio
- MIGS – Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
- TM – Trabecular Meshwork
Neuro-Ophthalmology Abbreviations
- NAION – Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
- AION – Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
- ON – Optic Neuritis
- IIH – Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
- RAPD – Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect
- CN – Cranial Nerve
- PT – Papilledema
Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus
- ET – Esotropia
- XT – Exotropia
- HT – Hypertropia
- DVD – Dissociated Vertical Deviation
- AHP – Abnormal Head Posture
- VAO – Visual Axis Obscured
- ROP – Retinopathy of Prematurity
Surgical & Laser Procedure Abbreviations
- CE – Cataract Extraction
- ECCE – Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
- IOL – Intraocular Lens
- PCIOL – Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens
- PPV – Pars Plana Vitrectomy
- PRP – Panretinal Photocoagulation
- YAG – Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser
- DCR – Dacryocystorhinostomy
- TSCPC – Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation
Medication & Prescription Abbreviations
- gtt – Eye Drops
- d. – Once Daily
- i.d. – Twice Daily
- i.d. – Three Times Daily
- i.d. – Four Times Daily
- PRN – As Needed
- PF – Preservative Free
- HS – At Bedtime
- OU qhs – Both Eyes at Night
Importance of Ophthalmology Abbreviations in Billing & Compliance
These abbreviations are used extensively in clinical documentation, operative reports, diagnostic interpretations, and ophthalmology medical billing, where accuracy can affect coding workflows (such as CPT and ICD-10 where applicable), documentation quality, and reimbursement processes
Misinterpreting abbreviations or inconsistent documentation may result in:
- Coding errors
- Claim denials
- Payment delays
- Compliance risks
For billing or compliance decisions, confirm terminology and documentation requirements with local policies or payer guidance.
For this reason, some practices use internal teams or ophthalmology billing processes to help standardize documentation and reduce administrative errors.
Who Benefits From a Comprehensive Ophthalmology Abbreviations List?
- Ophthalmologists and fellows
- Medical students and residents
- Ophthalmic nurses and technicians
- Medical coders and billers
- Practice managers and compliance teams
A standardized abbreviations reference improves communication, reduces errors, and supports both clinical and administrative efficiency.
Final Thoughts
A detailed ophthalmology abbreviations list is an essential resource for modern eye care practices. When used correctly, these abbreviations enhance clinical documentation, streamline workflows, and support accurate medical billing and insurance processing.
As ophthalmology continues to evolve with advanced diagnostics and surgical techniques, maintaining clear and standardized documentation remains critical for both patient care and practice sustainability.
Disclaimer
This article is published for general informational and educational purposes only and is intended solely as a reference guide to ophthalmology abbreviations and terminology. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, clinical guidance, professional opinion, or a substitute for consultation with a licensed ophthalmologist, medical doctor, or qualified healthcare professional.
WellHealthOrganic.com and the author are not doctors, medical practitioners, or licensed medical advisors. The content provided herein should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, delay seeking medical care, alter medications, begin or discontinue any treatment, or make decisions related to medical procedures, clinical care, billing, coding, or insurance claims without consulting appropriately qualified professionals.
The abbreviations, definitions, and explanations included in this article are provided as a general reference only. Medical terminology, documentation practices, abbreviations, coding systems, and compliance requirements may vary based on country, region, institution, clinician preference, regulatory authority, payer policies, or professional judgment, and should not be assumed to be universally applicable or authoritative in all contexts.
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