Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What effect does cycloplegia have on the eye during an examination?

1. Enhances light sensitivity

2. Induces refractive error

3. Blurs near vision

4. Improves accommodation

The correct answer is: Blurs near vision

Cycloplegia refers to the pharmacologically induced paralysis of the ciliary muscle, which is responsible for controlling the lens's accommodation. When cycloplegia occurs during an eye examination, it effectively prevents the eye from adjusting its focus for near vision. This results in difficulty seeing objects up close, which is why blurring of near vision is a significant effect of cycloplegia. In a clinical setting, this is particularly useful for accurately assessing refractive errors without the confounding influence of the eye's natural ability to accommodate. Therefore, the blurring of near vision is a direct consequence of the inability of the eye to accommodate due to cycloplegia. Understanding this effect is crucial for ophthalmic assistants when preparing patients for examinations and interpreting the results appropriately.