Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

In the context of strabismus assessment, what does a 'phoria' refer to?

1. A constant misalignment of eyes

2. A latent deviation that is only visible during cover testing

3. The ability to shift focus between near and far objects

4. A visual reflex to establish binocular status

The correct answer is: A latent deviation that is only visible during cover testing

A 'phoria' refers to a latent deviation of the eyes that is typically not noticeable until exposed by cover testing, which is an essential part of strabismus assessment. When one eye is covered, the hidden misalignment of the uncovered eye may become apparent, indicating that there is a tendency for the eye to deviate when not focused on an object. This means that although the eyes may appear aligned when both are open, the phoria reveals an underlying issue that could affect binocular vision. The distinction of a 'phoria' is important in understanding how it differs from other conditions, such as 'tropia', which denotes a constant misalignment where the eyes do not align even when both eyes are open. The ability to shift focus between near and far objects, while related to visual acuity and accommodation, doesn't directly pertain to the concept of phoria and is more about the eye's flexibility in focusing. The visual reflexes that establish binocular status involve other mechanisms, but they do not specifically describe the latent deviation indicated by a phoria.