Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What physiological responses occur when an object is brought closer to the eye during the near reflex?

1. Convergence only

2. Accommodation only

3. Accommodation, miosis, and convergence

4. Dilation and convergence

The correct answer is: Accommodation, miosis, and convergence

The correct response highlights the three key physiological processes that occur during the near reflex when an object is brought closer to the eye: accommodation, miosis, and convergence. Accommodation refers to the eye's ability to change its optical power to maintain a clear image of an object as it moves closer. This is achieved through the ciliary muscle, which adjusts the lens to increase its curvature for near vision. Miosis is the constriction of the pupil, which is another aspect of the near reflex. By constricting, the pupil reduces the amount of light entering the eye, increasing depth of field and improving clarity for near objects. Convergence is the inward movement of both eyes toward each other, allowing for single binocular vision when focusing on a close object. This coordination ensures that both eyes are aligned correctly to maintain depth perception and an accurate image. Together, these processes work seamlessly to facilitate efficient focusing on near objects. The other options lack one or more of these critical components, making them incomplete descriptions of the near reflex.