Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

The an unaccommodated emmetropic eye focuses parallel light rays from a distance source

1. behind the retina

2. in front of the retina

3. on the cornea

4. on the retina

The correct answer is: on the retina

In an emmetropic eye, which is considered to be the normal or ideal eye, light rays from a distant source (parallel light rays) are focused directly on the retina. This process is facilitated by the eye's optic components, including the cornea and lens, which work together to refract the incoming light appropriately. When light rays enter the eye, they are bent (refracted) so that they converge at a single point. In the case of the emmetropic eye, this point of convergence occurs at the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. This is essential for clear vision because if light rays focused in front of or behind the retina, it would result in blurred vision. Thus, the correct answer indicates that an emmetropic eye is capable of clearly focusing light from distant sources, which is the primary function needed for seeing objects at a distance.