Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is one of the primary symptoms associated with gyrate atrophy?

1. Night blindness

2. Glaucoma

3. Floaters

4. Color blindness

The correct answer is: Night blindness

Gyrate atrophy is a retinal disorder characterized by progressive loss of peripheral vision and night blindness due to the degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptor cells. Night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, occurs because the cells responsible for vision in low-light conditions (rods) are affected as the disease progresses. The degeneration of these rods leads to a diminished ability to see in dim light or darkness, which is a hallmark symptom of gyrate atrophy. While other visual disturbances can occur in different conditions, such as glaucoma leading to peripheral vision loss, floaters being associated with vitreous changes, and color blindness related to cone dysfunction, they are not primary symptoms of gyrate atrophy itself. Instead, the specific impact on rod cells directly correlates with the experience of night blindness in individuals with this condition.