Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

IOL
Intraocular lens.
IOM
Institute of Medicine.
iontophoresis
A transdermal delivery system in
which a substance bearing a charge is propelled
through the skin by a low electrical current. This
method can be used to drive a drug across the skin
barrier.
IORT
Intraoperative radiation therapy.
IP
Incontinentia pigmenti.
ipecac, syrup of
A solution that contains a natu-
rally occurring substance that can cause vomiting
(emesis). Ipecac is derived from dried roots of a
Brazilian bush, Uragoga ipecacuanha. Syrup of
ipecac is used to treat a few types of poisoning. It is
important to consult with the local poison control
center before administering syrup of ipecac because
many poisons cause additional harm if vomited.
ipsilateral
On the same side, as opposed to con-
tralateral. For example, a tumor involving the right
side of the brain may affect vision ipsilaterally—that
is, in the right eye.
IPV
Inactivated polio vaccine. See 
polio
immunization.
IQ
Intelligence quotient, an attempt to measure
the intelligence of an individual. There are many dif-
ferent forms of IQ tests. For original calculations of
IQ, the person’s mental age as determined by a test
was divided by chronological age. See also 
intelli-
gence test; intelligence, nonverbal; intelligence,
verbal.
iridectomy
The process of making a hole in the
iris. Iridectomy is a treatment for glaucoma.
iridology
The practice of diagnosing disease by
examining the iris of the eye. Although some dis-
eases affect the eye, iridology is not considered sci-
entific medicine.
iris
The circular, colored curtain of the eye. The
opening of the iris forms the pupil. The iris helps
regulate the amount of light that enters the eye.