Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which ocular change is associated with hypothyroidism?

1. Exophthalmos

2. Loss of outer part of eyebrows

3. Increased tear production

4. Strabismus

The correct answer is: Loss of outer part of eyebrows

The correct answer identifies the loss of the outer part of the eyebrows as an ocular change associated with hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, various changes occur in the body due to decreased thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to alterations in hair growth and texture. Patients may experience thinning or loss of the outer third of their eyebrows, which is considered a characteristic sign of this condition. This sign is relevant as it highlights the systemic effects of thyroid hormone deficiency, including its impact on hair follicle function. The appearance of the eyebrows can often serve as a physical indicator of thyroid issues, providing clinical insight during an examination. The other options, while related to various thyroid conditions, do not directly correlate with hypothyroidism. For instance, exophthalmos is typically associated with hyperthyroidism, especially in conditions like Graves' disease, where there is an increase in the size of the eye muscles and fat behind the eye leading to protrusion. Increased tear production is not linked to hypothyroidism and is instead more common in autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome. Lastly, strabismus involves misalignment of the eyes and can be caused by a variety of factors, but is not specifically connected to hypothyroidism. Thus, the loss of