ophthalmology

American  

[of-thuhl-mol-uh-jee, -thuh-, -thal-, op-] / ˌɒf θəlˈmɒl ə dʒi, -θə-, -θæl-, ˌɒp- /

noun

1. the branch of medical science dealing with the anatomy, functions, and diseases of the eye.

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ophthalmology British  

/ ˌɒfθælˈmɒlədʒɪ, ɒfˌθælməˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the branch of medicine concerned with the eye and its diseases

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ophthalmology Scientific  

/ ŏf′thəl-mŏl′ə-jē,ŏp′- /

1. The scientific study of the eye, its diseases, and their treatment.

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ophthalmology Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the study and care of the eye.

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Other Word Forms

• ophthalmologic
  adjective
• ophthalmological
  adjective

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.