Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is the primary aim of visual field testing in relation to optic nerve head diseases?

1. To assess color perception

2. To evaluate intraocular pressure

3. To detect and characterize field defects

4. To measure visual acuity

The correct answer is: To detect and characterize field defects

The primary aim of visual field testing in relation to optic nerve head diseases is to detect and characterize field defects. The optic nerve head is crucial in transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, and diseases affecting this area, such as glaucoma or optic neuritis, can lead to specific changes in the visual field. Visual field tests help identify these changes by revealing areas where vision may be diminished or lost, known as scotomas or visual field defects. By assessing the entire visual field, practitioners can determine the extent of the damage and monitor the progression of the disease over time. This is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in patients with optic nerve disorders. Other options focus on different aspects of vision. Assessing color perception relates more to color vision testing, which does not provide direct information about optic nerve head diseases. Evaluating intraocular pressure is key in managing glaucoma but does not directly indicate visual field defects. Measuring visual acuity pertains to sharpness or clarity of vision but also does not reveal detailed information about visual field losses associated with optic nerve head problems.