NBEO Clinical Optometry & Patient Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is visual field testing and what does it detect?
- A test measuring peripheral and central vision sensitivity to detect damage from glaucoma, neurological conditions, and retinal disease (Correct answer)
- A test of color vision
- A measurement of eye alignment
- A refraction procedure
Correct answer: A test measuring peripheral and central vision sensitivity to detect damage from glaucoma, neurological conditions, and retinal disease
Visual field testing (perimetry) maps the area and sensitivity of a patient's visual field, detecting scotomas (blind spots) that indicate optic nerve damage, retinal disease, or neurological conditions affecting the visual pathway.
Question 2: What is optical coherence tomography (OCT)?
- A non-invasive imaging technique that produces high-resolution cross-sectional images of retinal layers and the optic nerve (Correct answer)
- A type of contact lens
- A surgical laser procedure
- A visual acuity chart
Correct answer: A non-invasive imaging technique that produces high-resolution cross-sectional images of retinal layers and the optic nerve
OCT uses light interferometry to create detailed images of retinal architecture, enabling measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, macular thickness, and detection of fluid or structural abnormalities.
Question 3: What is a cataract and how is it treated?
- A clouding of the crystalline lens causing decreased vision, treated surgically by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) (Correct answer)
- An infection of the cornea treated with antibiotics
- A retinal detachment requiring laser treatment
- A refractive error corrected with glasses
Correct answer: A clouding of the crystalline lens causing decreased vision, treated surgically by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL)
Cataracts develop as lens proteins denature and aggregate, causing opacity. When vision impairment affects daily activities, phacoemulsification surgery removes the clouded lens and implants a clear artificial IOL.
Question 4: What are contact lens fitting considerations?
- Base curve selection, diameter, material (oxygen permeability), wearing schedule, and patient compliance with care and replacement schedules (Correct answer)
- Only the lens color matters
- Contact lenses are one-size-fits-all
- Only the prescription power matters
Correct answer: Base curve selection, diameter, material (oxygen permeability), wearing schedule, and patient compliance with care and replacement schedules
Proper contact lens fitting requires measuring corneal curvature, selecting appropriate base curve and diameter, choosing material based on oxygen needs and wearing time, and educating patients on proper care to prevent complications.
Question 5: What is amblyopia and how is it treated?
- Reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal visual development, treated by forcing use of the weaker eye through patching or atropine penalization of the stronger eye (Correct answer)
- An eye infection in adults
- A type of cataract
- Color blindness
Correct answer: Reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal visual development, treated by forcing use of the weaker eye through patching or atropine penalization of the stronger eye
Amblyopia ('lazy eye') occurs when the brain favors one eye during visual development. Treatment before age 7-8 has the best outcomes, using occlusion (patching) or pharmacological penalization to strengthen the weaker eye.
Question 6: What is dry eye disease and how is it managed?
- A multifactorial condition of tear film instability causing discomfort and visual disturbance, managed with artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drops, and environmental modifications (Correct answer)
- A condition that only occurs in deserts
- An infection requiring antibiotics
- A refractive error
Correct answer: A multifactorial condition of tear film instability causing discomfort and visual disturbance, managed with artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drops, and environmental modifications
Dry eye results from insufficient tear production or excessive evaporation. Management includes artificial tears, prescription anti-inflammatory drops (cyclosporine, lifitegrast), warm compresses, omega-3 supplements, and environmental humidity.
NBEO Clinical Optometry & Patient Care 2
What is visual field testing and what does it detect?