Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

The term used to refer to symptoms due to uncorrected refractive error is ...

1. Astigmatism

2. Amblyopia

3. Asthenopia

4. Diplopia

The correct answer is: Asthenopia

The term asthenopia is indeed the correct choice, as it refers specifically to the symptoms associated with visual strain due to uncorrected refractive errors. These symptoms can include eye fatigue, discomfort, and headaches that arise when the eyes struggle to focus properly, often as a result of vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). When refractive errors are untreated, the visual system may become overworked, leading to these symptoms of eye strain. Astigmatism is a type of refractive error itself rather than a term for symptoms caused by refractive issues. Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," is a vision development disorder that results in reduced vision in one eye and is not directly tied to uncorrected refractive error symptoms. Lastly, diplopia, or double vision, can be caused by various factors, including eye muscle issues or neurological conditions, but it is not exclusively related to uncorrected refractive errors. Therefore, asthenopia is the most appropriate term to describe the discomfort and symptoms that arise from uncorrected vision issues.