How is the left eye abbreviated in medication terminology?

The abbreviation for the left eye in medication terminology is "OS," which stands for "oculus sinister" in Latin. This term directly translates to "left eye." In the context of medication administration or prescriptions, understanding these abbreviations is crucial for ensuring accuracy in treatments, particularly when dealing with eye medications.

The other common abbreviations used in ophthalmology include "OD" for the right eye, which is derived from "oculus dexter," and "OU," meaning both eyes ("oculus uterque"). "AS" and "AD" are used to refer to the left ear and right ear, respectively, which further differentiates them from eye-related abbreviations to avoid confusion in other types of medication administration. Recognizing and correctly using "OS" is essential for any medication aide to accurately interpret or provide care for patients needing eye-related treatments.