Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Glaucoma primarily affects which ocular structure?

1. Cornea

2. Lens

3. Optic nerve

4. Retina

The correct answer is: Optic nerve

The correct answer is focused on the optic nerve because glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. This damage is often caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) that can occur when the drainage canals of the eye become blocked. Over time, the pressure can lead to significant nerve damage and vision loss. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, and its integrity is crucial for maintaining vision. Early detection and management of glaucoma are essential to prevent irreversible damage to this structure. While the other ocular structures play important roles in vision, they are not primarily affected by glaucoma. The cornea is responsible for focusing light, the lens adjusts focus, and the retina is where light is converted into neural signals. However, the defining characteristic of glaucoma is its detrimental impact on the optic nerve.