Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

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What is a potential ocular consequence of thyroid dysfunction?

Corneal scarring
Retinal detachment
Keratoconus
Optic atrophy

The correct answer is: Keratoconus

In the context of thyroid dysfunction, particularly in conditions such as Graves' disease, one of the potential ocular consequences is keratoconus. This condition is characterized by the progressive thinning of the cornea, which can lead to a conical shape and subsequently affect vision. Patients with thyroid dysfunction may experience changes in the cornea's structure and stability, contributing to the development or exacerbation of keratoconus. This linkage is particularly noted because thyroid hormones can influence collagen metabolism, which is essential for the structural integrity of the cornea. Additionally, patients with thyroid-related eye diseases often exhibit a variety of ocular surface changes that may predispose them to keratoconus. While corneal scarring, retinal detachment, and optic atrophy can occur due to a variety of other etiologies, they are not directly linked to thyroid dysfunction as strongly as keratoconus is, making keratoconus the most relevant ocular consequence in this context.