ophthalmic

adjective

oph·​thal·​mic äf-ˈthal-mik 

äp-

1

: of, relating to, or situated near the eye

2

: supplying or draining the eye or structures in the region of the eye

ophthalmic artery

Examples of ophthalmic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In some cases, it is hypothesized that rapid correction of hyperglycemia induced by these drugs, rather than a toxic effect of the drugs, could be associated with the ophthalmic complications reported. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025

The disease can be diagnosed by examining the patterns of certain structures in the eye, either by looking through a magnifying device that shines a light into the baby’s dilated eye, or by studying images taken by a wide-angle ophthalmic camera. —IEEE Spectrum, 19 Apr. 2018

A number of specialty hospitals have also stopped functioning in the region, including at least two children's hospitals, three ophthalmic hospitals, a psychiatric hospital, and two hospitals specializing in rehabilitation, according to an ABC News analysis of WHO data. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2024

Prescribed If needed, your provider can prescribe oral, nasal, and ophthalmic antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English obtalmic "inflamed, produced by ophthalmia," borrowed from Late Latin ophthalmicus "of the eye" (Medieval Latin also obtalmicus, Latin opthalmicus as noun, "oculist"), borrowed from Greek ophthalmikós, from ophthalmós "eye" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at ophthalmo-

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ophthalmic

• ophthalmic optician

Medical Definition

ophthalmic

1 of 2 adjective

oph·​thal·​mic -mik 

1

: of, relating to, or situated near the eye

2

: supplying or draining the eye or structures in the region of the eye

ophthalmic

2 of 2 noun

: ophthalmic nerve