Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam. Prep with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

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Iridotomy is used to treat what type of condition?

Cataracts
Glaucoma
Pterygium
Pupillary block

The correct answer is: Pupillary block

Iridotomy is a procedure commonly used to treat pupillary block, which is a type of acute angle-closure glaucoma. During pupillary block, the natural fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye is unable to flow properly, leading to an increase in intraocular pressure. By creating a small hole in the iris through iridotomy, a new pathway is established for the aqueous humor to flow, thus reducing the pressure inside the eye and preventing further damage. Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye's lens and are not treated with iridotomy. Pterygium is a growth of tissue on the conjunctiva, commonly caused by sun exposure, and is not treated with iridotomy. While glaucoma is a broad term for a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure, iridotomy specifically targets pupillary block within glaucoma cases.