Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which drug is used for applanation tonometry?

1. Latanoprost

2. Proparacaine

3. Atropine

4. Cyclopentolate

The correct answer is: Proparacaine

Proparacaine is the correct drug used for applanation tonometry. Applanation tonometry is a procedure to measure intraocular pressure by flattening a small area of the cornea. Before performing this procedure, a topical anesthetic such as proparacaine is applied to the eye to ensure the patient's comfort during the test. Among the other options: - Latanoprost is a medication used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma or other eye diseases. - Atropine is a medication used to dilate the pupil for various purposes such as eye examinations or certain eye conditions. - Cyclopentolate is another medication used to dilate the pupil and temporarily paralyze accommodation of the eye for exams or conditions like uveitis.