Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Iridotomy is used to treat what type of condition?

1. Open angle glaucoma

2. Pupillary block

3. Angle-closure glaucoma

4. Retinal detachment

The correct answer is: Pupillary block

Iridotomy is a surgical procedure primarily used to treat angle-closure glaucoma, a condition where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to increased intraocular pressure and potential vision loss. This procedure involves creating a small hole in the peripheral part of the iris to improve fluid flow between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, thereby relieving pressure. While pupillary block can contribute to angle-closure glaucoma, it is not the sole reason for performing an iridotomy. The primary aim of an iridotomy is to prevent or alleviate angle-closure attacks rather than to address pupillary block specifically. Additionally, open-angle glaucoma is treated through medical management or other surgical options, rather than an iridotomy, and retinal detachment typically requires different procedures aimed at reattaching the retina. Thus, iridotomy is most accurately associated with treating angle-closure glaucoma.