ophthalmic

adjective

oph·​thal·​mic äf-ˈthal-mik How to pronounce ophthalmic (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Either way, these findings will be crucial to ophthalmic surgeons and their future patients. — Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 The case was a constant topic of conversation in the community, said Sigg, an ophthalmic technician who was raising her two boys after getting divorced from their father years earlier. — Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025 Their presence became global, including the world’s largest ophthalmic research and development laboratory. — Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2025 Registered nurses with an ophthalmic specialty can help with administering medications or performing office surgeries. — Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ophthalmic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ophthalmic was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing ophthalmic

Rhymes for ophthalmic

See All Rhymes for ophthalmic

Browse Nearby Words

ophthalmiater
ophthalmic
ophthalmic optician
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ophthalmic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ophthalmic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

ophthalmic

1 of 2 adjective
oph·​thal·​mic -mik How to pronounce ophthalmic (audio)
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
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