Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which symptom is a hallmark of tuberculosis affecting the ocular region?

1. Retinal detachment

2. Choroidal tubercles

3. Conjunctival scarring

4. Corneal ulcers

The correct answer is: Choroidal tubercles

The hallmark of tuberculosis when it affects the ocular region is the presence of choroidal tubercles. These are small, yellow-white lesions found on the choroid in a patient with disseminated tuberculosis. They are a result of mycobacterial infection and can serve as indicative signs of systemic tuberculosis involvement. Choroidal tubercles are unique to the ocular manifestations of tuberculosis and reflect the presence of the disease within the eye. Their identification during an ophthalmic examination can alert healthcare providers to the possibility of systemic tuberculosis, prompting further evaluation and management of the condition. In contrast, retinal detachment, conjunctival scarring, and corneal ulcers are conditions that may arise from various other ocular diseases or traumas but are not specifically indicative of tuberculosis. They do not serve as distinguishing symptoms for ophthalmic involvement due to this particular infectious process. Thus, the presence of choroidal tubercles directly correlates with tuberculosis and signifies its impact on ocular health.