Cycloplegias

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A condition characterized by paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye, leading to the inability to focus on near objects
2. It may result from various factors, including certain medications and underlying health issues
3. This disorder often requires medical attention to address vision disturbances and associated symptoms

Etymology: "Cycloplegias" is simply the plural of "cycloplegia", so it is built from the same two parts. The first, "cyclo-", comes from Greek "kyklos", meaning "circle" or "wheel", and in medical terms it refers to the ciliary body, the ring of tissue inside the eye that controls the lens. The second part, "-plegia", comes from Greek "plēgē", meaning "stroke" or "blow", and is the root behind words for paralysis, as in "paraplegia" and "hemiplegia". Put together, the sense is paralysis of that ring-shaped muscle. The compound is a modern technical coinage built from classical Greek roots, so it was not used by ancient physicians. Its usefulness lies in the effect it names: when the ciliary muscle is paralysed, the eye cannot adjust its lens to bring nearby objects into focus, which is why the condition shows up as blurred near vision.