Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

How is Adie's Syndrome diagnosed?

1. Using a 0.5% pilocarpine solution

2. Using a 1% tropicamide solution

3. Using a 1/8% pilocarpine solution

4. Using a 0.25% phenylephrine solution

The correct answer is: Using a 1/8% pilocarpine solution

Adie's Syndrome is characterized by a tonic pupil that reacts poorly to light and demonstrates a greater constriction when exposed to a dilute pilocarpine solution. The diagnosis typically involves the use of a very weak pilocarpine solution, specifically a 1/8% pilocarpine concentration. This low concentration is significant because, in the case of Adie's Syndrome, the affected pupil will constrict more than a normal pupil due to supersensitivity to cholinergic stimulation. Utilizing a stronger solution, such as 0.5% pilocarpine or other alternatives mentioned, may not yield the same pronounced effect and would not effectively demonstrate the unique characteristics of the pupil in Adie's Syndrome. Therefore, the correct concentration is essential for accurate diagnosis, making the 1/8% pilocarpine solution the proper choice in this clinical assessment.