ophthalmia

American  

[of-thal-mee-uh, op-] / ɒfˈθæl mi ə, ɒp- /

noun

1. inflammation of the eye, especially of its membranes or external structures.

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ophthalmia British  

/ ɒfˈθælmɪə /

noun

1. inflammation of the eye, often including the conjunctiva

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Other Word Forms

• ophthalmiac noun

Etymology

Origin of ophthalmia

1350–1400; < Late Latin < Greek ophthalmía, equivalent to ophthalm ( ós ) eye + -ia -ia; replacing Middle English obtalmia < Medieval Latin, Late Latin as above

Example Sentences

“Bernard! How can you?” the passage of an old woman with ophthalmia and a disease of the skin distracted her from her indignation.

From Literature

But without glancing at the group, he sent for Ali who had to remain in the rear because he was suffering from painful ophthalmia.

From Project Gutenberg

We dread the attacks of ophthalmia, as the surgeons call it; we call it commonly the blight in our eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

So we speak of the great class of sequel� of acute or subacute disorders; as, ophthalmia after measles, deafness following scarlet fever, or blindness small-pox, abscesses following typhoid fever, paralysis diphtheria, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

Practically all the severe eye diseases of newly born children, the ophthalmia from which so many eyes are lost, is due to this disease.

From Project Gutenberg