adjective
ophthalmic
ahf-THAL-mik/ɑːfˈθælmɪk/
Relating to the eyes or their medical care.
The slit-lamp examination provides ophthalmic care for the older patient.
Etymology
The eye root gives the literal meaning “relating to the eyes.” Early English use concerned treatment of ophthalmia, before the adjective acquired its broader anatomical meaning.
In context
these are truly ophthalmic emergencies so you want to not miss a corneal ulcer
More examples
- The hospital opens a new ophthalmic clinic.
- These ophthalmic drops relieve her dry eyes.
- The ophthalmic artery supplies blood to the eye.
Forms
ophthalmology noun — The medical specialty concerned with eye health.
ophthalmologist noun — A doctor specializing in medical and surgical eye care.
Similar words
- ocular
- Relates to the eye itself, without necessarily suggesting medical care.