What does miotic mean?
A miotic is an agent that makes the pupil of the eye smaller, or a term describing that action. It is used particularly in ophthalmology, where certain medicines are prescribed to constrict the pupil, sometimes to treat conditions such as glaucoma and sometimes during an examination to improve the clinician's view of the retina. The opposite class of substances is the mydriatics, which dilate the pupil. In technical writing, “miotic” is an adjective when describing an effect, medication, or agent, and a noun when naming the substance itself. Because the word is relatively specialized outside medical contexts, readers may find it useful as a precise counterpart to the more familiar expression “pupil-constricting.” Its uncommon sound should not be confused with “myopic,” which means shortsighted.
Relating to or causing contraction of the pupil of the eye.
"The surgeon applied a miotic solution before examining the patient's retina."
Common in ophthalmology and pharmacology; usually describes a drug, effect, or agent.
A substance, especially a medication, that causes the pupil of the eye to constrict.
"The doctor administered a miotic to lower the patient's intraocular pressure."
Usually encountered in medical or pharmaceutical contexts.
A miotic does the opposite of a mydriatic: it makes the pupil smaller, not larger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miotic come from?
The term comes from Greek myein, “to close,” combined with the suffix -otic, used in the formation of names of bodily structures and physiological effects. It developed in medical usage in relation to contraction of the pupil. The same Greek root appears in miosis, the condition or process of pupillary constriction, and in myopia and myopic, which ultimately derive from a related Greek formation involving close or dim vision.
Related word forms
How miotic is actually used
The adjective is primarily used in medicine and ophthalmology. In general use, it may sound technical; the related everyday phrase is “constrict the pupil.” As a noun, it usually denotes a medication or other agent.
Easily confused with miotic
A miotic constricts the pupil, whereas a mydriatic dilates it.