AOA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the AOA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 AOA Exam Format at a Glance
📚 AOA Topics to Study (23)
✍️ Sample AOA Questions & Answers
1. Bitemporal hemianopia is most commonly caused by a lesion at which anatomical location?
Bitemporal hemianopia results from compression of the crossing nasal fibers at the optic chiasm, most often by a pituitary adenoma.
2. Which anti-VEGF agent is FDA-approved for neovascular (wet) AMD treatment by intravitreal injection?
Both aflibercept (Eylea) and ranibizumab (Lucentis) are FDA-approved for neovascular AMD; bevacizumab is widely used off-label due to cost differences.
3. The ciliary muscle contraction during accommodation causes which change to the crystalline lens?
When the ciliary muscle contracts, it moves anteriorly and inward, releasing zonular tension and allowing the elastic lens to assume a more spherical (convex) shape, increasing its power for near focus.
4. Topical antihistamine-mast cell stabilizer combinations (e.g., olopatadine) are first-line treatment for:
Dual-acting antihistamine/mast cell stabilizers like olopatadine block H1 receptors and prevent mast cell degranulation, providing rapid and sustained relief from allergic conjunctivitis symptoms.
5. Low vision rehabilitation is indicated when a patient's best-corrected visual acuity is:
Low vision rehabilitation is appropriate for patients with best-corrected VA of 20/70 or worse that limits daily functioning and cannot be further improved by optical correction or treatment.
6. The vitreous humor is composed primarily of which substance?
The vitreous is approximately 99% water, with the structural framework provided by a network of hyaluronic acid (providing viscosity) and collagen fibrils (type II and IX).