Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

The variation of intraocular pressure over a 24-hour period is referred to as what?

1. Intraocular pressure fluctuation

2. Diurnal curve

3. Circadian rhythm

4. IOP trend

The correct answer is: Diurnal curve

The term that best describes the variation of intraocular pressure over a 24-hour period is known as the diurnal curve. This concept is essential in ophthalmology because intraocular pressure (IOP) can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors, including body position, hydration status, and the time of day. Understanding the diurnal curve is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like glaucoma, where pressure variations can affect the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. By measuring IOP at different times, healthcare professionals can obtain a comprehensive picture of a patient's ocular health and better tailor treatment strategies. The other options, while related to pressure or time, do not specifically address the 24-hour variation in IOP. Intraocular pressure fluctuation is a more general term and does not exclusively refer to the daily patterns. Circadian rhythm typically relates to biological cycles, which may influence IOP but is not synonymous with the specific monitoring of IOP variations. IOP trend implies a long-term observation rather than the acute, time-sensitive measurement associated with a diurnal curve.