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

Ophthalm- 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-.

Ophthalm- is a variant of ophthalmo-, which loses its -o– when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.

Want to know more? Read our �������t¶��s That Use ophthalmo- article.

One example of a medical term that features the combining form ophthalm- is ophthalmalgia, “pain in the eyeball.”

The first part of the word, ophthalm-, means “eye.” The second part, -algia, means “pain.” Ophthalmalgia literally translates to “eye pain.”

What are some words that use or are related to the combining form ophthalm-?

• ophthalmia (from the Greek �DZ��ٳ󲹱���í��)
• ophthalmic (from the Greek �DZ��ٳ󲹱�������ó��)
• ophthalmic nerve
• ophthalmic artery
• ophthalmitis (using the equivalent of the form of ophthalm- in New Latin)

What are some other forms that ophthalm- may be commonly confused with?

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• oophoro-
• opistho-

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The suffix -itis is often used to name the inflammation of an organ. What does the medical condition of ophthalmitis involve?