What Is OU in Medical Terms – OU in medical terms stands for oculus uterque, a Latin phrase meaning “both eyes.” Doctors and eye care professionals use it in prescriptions, charts, and notes when referring to both eyes together.
What Does OU Mean?
OU is a standard abbreviation in ophthalmology and optometry. It indicates instructions or measurements that apply equally to both eyes, such as eye drops, vision testing, or lens prescriptions.
It comes from Latin:
- OD = Oculus Dexter (right eye)
- OS = Oculus Sinister (left eye)
- OU = Oculus Uterque (both eyes)
How OU Is Used in Practice
Doctors write OU when the same treatment or finding applies to both eyes. Examples include:
- “OU eye drops twice daily” — Put drops in both eyes.
- “Vision OU 20/20” — Both eyes together see 20/20.
- Prescription notes — Same correction needed for both eyes.
This shorthand saves time and reduces errors in medical records.
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Common Contexts for OU
- Eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions
- Eye exam results
- Post-surgery instructions
- Medication orders for eye conditions
OU vs. Related Abbreviations
- OD: Right eye only
- OS: Left eye only
- OU: Both eyes
These Latin terms help avoid confusion in patient charts. Some modern providers also use “RE” (right eye) and “LE” (left eye) for clarity.
FAQs : What Is OU in Medical Terms
What does OU mean on an eye prescription?
It means both eyes. The same lens power or instructions apply to each eye.
Is OU the same as both eyes?
Yes. OU is the medical shorthand for both eyes.
What are OD, OS, and OU?
OD = right eye, OS = left eye, OU = both eyes.
Why do doctors use OU instead of writing “both eyes”?
Latin abbreviations are traditional in medicine. They are concise and universally understood by eye care professionals.
Can OU mean anything else in medicine?
In ophthalmology it almost always means both eyes. Context usually makes the meaning clear.