Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which statement about the effects of optic nerve head diseases is true?

1. They primarily affect peripheral vision only

2. They may cause both central and peripheral visual field loss

3. They typically do not affect visual acuity

4. They can quickly resolve with medication

The correct answer is: They may cause both central and peripheral visual field loss

The effects of optic nerve head diseases are significant, and the statement that they may cause both central and peripheral visual field loss is accurate. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain, and diseases affecting it can disrupt this process. Conditions such as glaucoma, optic neuritis, or papilledema can lead to a variety of vision problems, including loss of central vision (the area needed for tasks like reading) and peripheral vision (the ability to see objects off to the side). By impacting different parts of the visual field, these diseases can encompass a wide range of visual impairments, not limited to just peripheral vision and, thus, presenting a more complex clinical picture. Recognizing that optic nerve head diseases can affect both central and peripheral areas is essential for understanding their implications and the need for comprehensive assessment and management.