nanophthalmos

9.9

Both eyes are much smaller than usual but otherwise normal

noun
/ˌnænoʊˈfθælmoʊs/

Specialized

: nanofalmos

The doctor diagnosed the patient with nanophthalmos after observing the unusually small size of both eyes.

Examples

Researchers are studying the genetic causes of nanophthalmos in rare eye disorder cases.
People with nanophthalmos can have normal vision but may be at risk for other eye complications.
He has nanophthalmos.
The child was diagnosed with nanophthalmos at a young age.
The doctor diagnosed the patient with nanophthalmos after observing the unusually small size of both eyes.
Researchers are studying the genetic causes of nanophthalmos in rare eye disorder cases.
People with nanophthalmos can have normal vision but may be at risk for other eye complications.

Synonyms

microphthalmia

vsnanophthalmos

Specialized

9.9

A condition in which one or both eyes are born much smaller than normal

applies specifically when both eyes are abnormally small rather than only one

microphthalmos

vsnanophthalmos

Specialized

9.9

One or both eyes are much smaller than normal from birth

applies specifically when both eyes are abnormally small rather than only one

How Big

normal

∞ 1.0

microphthalmos

Specialized

9.9

nanophthalmos

Specialized

9.9

Surface Forms

nanophthalmos singular

nanophthalmoses plural

Morphology

nanophthalmos = nano + ophthalmos

The prefix nano- clearly suggests small size, but the eye-related element is a classical combining form rather than a recognizable English base word for most learners.

Etymology

The word nanophthalmos comes from the parts nano- meaning 'very small' and ophthalmos meaning 'eye', so it literally means a 'very small eye'. That's why nanophthalmos is used for the condition where both eyes are unusually small even though they are otherwise normal.