Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which areas of the eye are most affected by the ocular effects of leukemia due to infiltration of abnormal white blood cells?

1. Cornea; Aqueous humor

2. Choroid; Retina

3. Lens; Vitreous body

4. Conjunctiva; Sclera

The correct answer is: Choroid; Retina

The area of the eye most affected by the ocular effects of leukemia, particularly due to the infiltration of abnormal white blood cells, is the choroid and retina. This is because leukemia can lead to the proliferation of these abnormal cells within the body, which may subsequently infiltrate various tissues, including those in the posterior segment of the eye. The choroid, located between the retina and the sclera, is rich in blood vessels and can be compromised when leukemic cells infiltrate it, leading to conditions such as chorioretinitis or retinal hemorrhages. The retina can also be directly affected by leukemic cell infiltration, leading to visual disturbances or other retinal complications. Other areas such as the cornea, aqueous humor, lens, vitreous body, conjunctiva, and sclera, while they can experience a range of ocular effects from different conditions, are not primarily impacted by the infiltration of leukemic cells in the same way as the choroid and retina.