Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

If a child has corneal haze and a corneal diameter of 12mm or greater, what condition may be suspected?

1. Congenital cataracts

2. Congenital glaucoma

3. Chalazion

4. Persistent fetal vasculature

The correct answer is: Congenital glaucoma

When evaluating a child with corneal haze and a corneal diameter measuring 12mm or greater, congenital glaucoma is a significant condition to consider. Congenital glaucoma is characterized by abnormal development of the eye's drainage system, leading to increased intraocular pressure which can cause the cornea to become enlarged due to fluid accumulation, resulting in corneal haze. The presence of a corneal diameter larger than the typical range (usually around 10-11mm) in infants, combined with corneal haze, suggests that elevated pressure may be causing structural changes in the cornea, making congenital glaucoma a likely diagnosis. In contrast, other conditions like congenital cataracts typically present with opacities in the lens rather than corneal features. A chalazion, being an eyelid condition linked to blocked oil glands, would not cause corneal changes, and persistent fetal vasculature is associated with specific vascular anomalies primarily involving the lens and retina rather than changes in corneal diameter or clarity. Therefore, the combination of corneal haze and an enlarged cornea is indicative of congenital glaucoma.