Cryptophthalmos

/ˌkrɪptɒfˈθælməs/ noun

Definition

A rare medical condition in which the eyes are hidden or concealed, either covered by skin or failing to develop properly, leaving the person blind.

Etymology

From Greek 'kryptos' (hidden) + 'ophthalmos' (eye), a clinical term describing a congenital condition where the eyelids fail to separate or the eyes fail to form.

Kelly Says

Cryptophthalmos shows how the Greek prefix 'crypto-' entered medical terminology not just for things that are small or invisible, but for actual medical absence—someone with this condition is literally born without visible eyes.

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