diopter
Lens Power Unit
Plain-language definition
The unit measuring optical power of a lens or the refractive error of an eye. Higher diopters mean stronger correction is needed.
Where this term comes up
“Right fourth nerve palsy was identified by 3 prism diopters of right hypertropia in primary gaze, increasing in left gaze and right head tilt”
Publication · Hand Foot Mouth Disease Causing Fourth Nerve Palsy and Acute Maculopathy in Adult Male Patient
“Measure in "prism diopters"”
Test · Prism and Cover Test
“Recovery includes mild discomfort, eye redness, and a typical myopic shift of approximately 1-3 diopters (sometimes more) when an encircling element is used; segmental sponges cause less shift”
Treatment · Scleral Buckle Surgery
- Category
- Clinical term
- Also written as
- diopters
Clinical terms are words clinicians use to describe symptoms, signs, risk factors, or patterns seen during evaluation.
Related glossary terms
- diplopia
Double Vision
- hypertropia
Upward Eye Misalignment
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- strabismus
Eye Misalignment
- cornea
Clear Front Window
- esotropia
Inward Eye Turn
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.