Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What symptom is specifically associated with Horner's Syndrome?

1. Ptosis

2. Myopia

3. Astigmatism

4. Strabismus

The correct answer is: Ptosis

Horner's Syndrome is a neurological condition that results from disruption of sympathetic nerve pathways supplying the eye and surrounding structures. A hallmark symptom of this syndrome is ptosis, which is the drooping of the upper eyelid. This occurs due to the weakness of the muscle that elevates the eyelid, known as the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which is controlled by sympathetic nerves. In the context of the choices provided, ptosis is the most specific and direct indicator of Horner's Syndrome. The other conditions listed, such as myopia, astigmatism, and strabismus, do relate to vision and ocular alignment but do not have a direct association with Horner's Syndrome. Myopia refers to nearsightedness, astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, and strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other. None of these symptoms would specifically indicate the presence of Horner's Syndrome, thus reinforcing that ptosis is the primary symptom to identify in this context.