ophthalmo-

Ophthalmo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “eye.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy and pathology.

Ophthalmo- comes from the Greek �DZ��ٳ󲹱���ó��, meaning “eye.” Related to �DZ��ٳ󲹱���ó�� is ����, Greek for “eye” or “face,” and source of such combining forms as -opia, -opsia, and opto-. The Latin word for “eye” is oculus, source of the combining form oculo-.

������ are variants of ophthalmo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, ophthalmo- becomes ophthalm-, as in ophthalmalgia.

An example of a word you may have encountered that features ophthalmo- ������ophthalmology, “the branch of medical science dealing with the anatomy, functions, and diseases of the eye.”

We know ophthalmo- means “eye.” ������ about the -logy portion of the word? That’s right, -logy is used to name domains of science or bodies of knowledge. Ophthalmology literally translates to “the study of the eye.”

������ are some words that use the combining form ophthalmo-?

• ophthalmodynamometer
• ophthalmography
• ophthalmolith
• ophthalmologist
• ophthalmomalacia
• ophthalmometer
• ophthalmopathy
• ophthalmoscope

������ are some other forms that ophthalmo- may be commonly confused with?

• oophoro-
• opistho-

The combining form -scope means “an instrument for viewing.” With this in mind, what, generally speaking, is an ophthalmoscope used for?