Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Deficient tear production in rheumatoid arthritis patients is primarily due to damage to which gland?

1. Submandibular gland

2. Lacrimal gland

3. Parotid gland

4. Sublingual gland

The correct answer is: Lacrimal gland

In rheumatoid arthritis patients, deficient tear production is primarily attributed to damage sustained in the lacrimal gland. This gland is responsible for producing the tears that maintain lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. In the context of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, resulting in inflammation and damage to various glands, including the lacrimal glands. The impairment of these glands leads to reduced tear secretion, which is a hallmark of dry eye syndrome frequently observed in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. The other glands listed, such as the submandibular and parotid glands, primarily produce saliva and are not directly involved in tear production. The sublingual gland also contributes to saliva production but does not play a role in tear generation. Thus, understanding the specific function of each gland clarifies why damage to the lacrimal gland is the central concern in this scenario.