ocular

Ocular is an English adjective meaning relating to the eye. Derived from the Latin oculus (eye), it is used across anatomy, physiology, and medicine to describe structures, functions, and conditions involving the visual system. The term is commonly paired with other roots to form compound terms such as ocular anatomy, ocular physiology, and ocular diseases.

In anatomy, the eye is the globular organ housed in the orbit, with supporting structures collectively called the ocular adnexa, including the eyelids, eyelashes, conjunctiva, and lacrimal apparatus. Ocular motility refers to eye movements produced by the extraocular muscles, controlled by cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the retina toward the brain.

In clinical practice, ocular health covers vision, refraction, and surface health of the eye. Common ocular diseases include conjunctivitis, cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Routine ocular examinations assess visual acuity, refractive error, intraocular pressure, and retina or optic nerve integrity, guiding treatment such as corrective lenses, medication, or surgery.

Related terms include ophthalmic, which relates to ophthalmology—the medical specialty focused on eye care—and oculomotor, describing eye movement control. The term ocular remains widely used in anatomical, physiological, and medical contexts to distinguish eye-related phenomena from other sensory systems.