Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which eye drop paralyzes accommodation and thereby allows all of the hyperopia to be uncovered?

1. Atropine

2. Cyclopentolate

3. Phenylephrine

4. Tropicamide

The correct answer is: Atropine

Atropine is the correct answer because it is a mydriatic agent that paralyzes accommodation by blocking the action of the ciliary muscle. By paralyzing accommodation, Atropine allows all of the hyperopia (farsightedness) to be fully uncovered during a refraction test. This effect is particularly useful in determining the full extent of hyperopia as it relaxes the eye and prevents accommodation, giving a more accurate measurement of the refractive error. Cyclopentolate, Phenylephrine, and Tropicamide are also mydriatic agents commonly used in ophthalmic practice, but they do not have the same level of cycloplegic effect as Atropine. While these agents dilate the pupil and relax the ciliary muscle to some extent, Atropine is typically preferred when a stronger cycloplegic effect is needed to fully paralyze accommodation and uncover the true hyperopic refractive error.