Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What type of visual field defect is characterized by a loss of vision that resembles a wedge?

1. Temporal wedge defect

2. Radial defect

3. Fixed defect

4. Peripheral defect

The correct answer is: Temporal wedge defect

The loss of vision that resembles a wedge is identified as a temporal wedge defect. This type of defect often occurs due to damage to the visual pathways, particularly affecting the temporal portion of the visual field in one eye while leaving other areas relatively intact. The wedge shape reflects a specific pattern of vision loss, typically seen in conditions such as glaucoma or lesions that impact the optic nerve or chiasm. The temporal aspect indicates that the area of vision loss extends into the outer, or temporal, quadrant of the visual field and can be a crucial clinical sign in diagnosing certain ocular pathologies. Recognizing this particular pattern allows for a more accurate assessment of the patient's visual function and informs subsequent management and therapeutic decisions.