Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which common familial ocular disorder should you record during a patient's history?

1. Scoliosis

2. Keratoconus

3. Hemophilia

4. Cholesteremia

The correct answer is: Keratoconus

Keratoconus is indeed a common familial ocular disorder and should be specifically noted during a patient's history. This condition involves the progressive thinning of the cornea, leading to bulging and changes in vision. There is a well-established genetic component to keratoconus, making it important to document any family history of the disorder when assessing a patient. Gathering this information can aid in understanding the patient's risk factors and guiding further management or treatment. While conditions like scoliosis and hemophilia may have familial tendencies, they do not have the same direct relevance to ocular health and vision as keratoconus. Cholesteremia also pertains more to systemic health than to specific familial ocular disorders. Thus, in the context of ocular history, focusing on keratoconus provides critical insight into potential hereditary influences on eye health.