Path. Also formerly anglicized as xerophthalmy, -ie. [L., ad. Gr. ξηροφθαλμία, f. ξηρός dry + ὀφθαλμία OPHTHALMIA.] An ophthalmia without discharge; inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye with abnormal dryness and corrugation.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Xerophthalmy … soarness or blearedness of the Eyes, when they neither swell, nor run.
1658. Phillips, Xerophthalmie.
[1684. trans. Blancard’s Phys. Dict. (1693), Xerophthalmia, a dry Bleardness or Blood-shot of the Eyes.]
1875. H. Walton, Dis. Eye (ed. 3), 885 (heading). Cuticular conjunctivitis or xerophthalmia.
