Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What should be monitored over a period of time if a patient has had a steroid injection?

1. Visual acuity

2. Intraocular pressure

3. Corneal thickness

4. Retinal health

The correct answer is: Intraocular pressure

Monitoring intraocular pressure is crucial after a patient has received a steroid injection, as steroids are known to potentially cause an increase in intraocular pressure. This condition, referred to as steroid-induced glaucoma, can develop even in patients who do not have a pre-existing history of elevated intraocular pressure. Therefore, routinely checking the intraocular pressure allows for early detection of any pressure increase, enabling timely intervention to prevent damage to the optic nerve and subsequent vision loss. While visual acuity, corneal thickness, and retinal health are important aspects of overall eye health, they do not carry the same immediate concern following steroid injections. Visual acuity may change for various reasons, but it is not a direct consequence of steroid administration. Corneal thickness and retinal health are also relevant, but they typically require more specialized measurements and assessments that are not as directly impacted by steroid injections in the short term.