What does OU represent in ophthalmic prescriptions?

In ophthalmic prescriptions, "OU" is an abbreviation derived from the Latin term "oculus uterque," which translates to "both eyes." This designation is commonly used by healthcare providers to indicate that a medication or treatment should be applied to both eyes rather than specifying one eye over the other. Understanding this terminology is crucial for proper medication administration and ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment for conditions affecting both eyes.

The other options refer to "OD" for right eye (oculus dexter) and "OS" for left eye (oculus sinister). Recognizing these distinctions helps prevent errors in the application of ophthalmic therapies.