ABO Ocular Disease & Pathology — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary risk factor for open-angle glaucoma in the United States?
- Elevated intraocular pressure (Correct answer)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- UV exposure
Correct answer: Elevated intraocular pressure
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the primary modifiable risk factor for open-angle glaucoma, though the disease can occur at normal IOP levels (normal-tension glaucoma).
Question 2: Which condition is characterized by the gradual clouding of the crystalline lens?
- Cataract (Correct answer)
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
Correct answer: Cataract
A cataract is the progressive opacification of the crystalline lens, typically age-related, causing decreased visual acuity, glare, and altered color perception.
Question 3: Drusen deposits in the macula are a hallmark sign of which condition?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Correct answer)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Retinitis pigmentosa
Correct answer: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Drusen are yellowish deposits of lipid and protein that accumulate beneath the retinal pigment epithelium and are the earliest clinical sign of age-related macular degeneration.
Question 4: What visual field defect is most commonly associated with early open-angle glaucoma?
- Arcuate scotoma (Correct answer)
- Central scotoma
- Homonymous hemianopia
- Bitemporal hemianopia
Correct answer: Arcuate scotoma
An arcuate (Bjerrum) scotoma following the distribution of retinal nerve fiber bundles is the classic early visual field defect in open-angle glaucoma.
Question 5: Which type of diabetic retinopathy is characterized by neovascularization?
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (Correct answer)
- Mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular edema only
Correct answer: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is characterized by the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization) in response to retinal ischemia.
Question 6: What is the gold standard test for measuring intraocular pressure?
- Goldmann applanation tonometry (Correct answer)
- Non-contact tonometry (air puff)
- Schiotz tonometry
- Tono-Pen tonometry
Correct answer: Goldmann applanation tonometry
Goldmann applanation tonometry is considered the gold standard for IOP measurement, using the principle of applanating a fixed area of cornea (3.06mm diameter).
ABO Ocular Disease & Pathology
What is the primary risk factor for open-angle glaucoma in the United States?