ophthalmology
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ophthalmology
First recorded in 1835–45; ophthalmo- + -logy
Explanation
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine focused on eyes. The doctor who gives you an eye exam studied ophthalmology. There are many branches of medicine, such as psychiatry, cardiology, and podiatry, which focus on the mind, the heart, and the feet, respectively. Ophthalmology is the branch that focuses on the eyes. If you study ophthalmology, you'll learn about different parts of the eye such as the iris and cornea. You'll learn about eye problems, such as cataracts. Doctors who study ophthalmology are called ophthalmologists, and they're the kind of doctor you go to when you need glasses or contacts.
Vocabulary lists containing ophthalmology
oculus and ophtalmos
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oculus and ophtalmos
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op, ops, opt (sight)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Regeneron, founded in 1988, spent decades as a speculative science project before massive blockbusters in ophthalmology and immunology turned it into a giant, now worth around $80 billion.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
And now, according to Dr. Jesse Berry, chief of ophthalmology and director of the retinoblastoma program at CHLA, the laser treatment and injections into Rowan’s eyes are no longer needed as well.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
Erbium is used in various medical fields, including dentistry, dermatology and ophthalmology.
From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026
"The free radical process is almost like an explosion or a fire," said Salomon, who is also professor of ophthalmology in the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine.
From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026
Like Helmholtz, he developed into a scientist with many interests, though he was known early in his career for ophthalmology and for establishing the first eye hospital in the Netherlands in 1858.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
