Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered an ocular emergency?

1. Chemical burn of the eye

2. Cataract formation

3. Dry eye syndrome

4. Persistent redness

The correct answer is: Chemical burn of the eye

A chemical burn of the eye is classified as an ocular emergency due to the potential for significant and rapid damage to ocular tissues. Chemical exposure, particularly from caustic substances, can lead to serious complications such as corneal opacification, vision loss, and in severe cases, globe perforation. Immediate action is critical in these situations—flushing the eye with water or saline to dilute the chemical and seeking urgent medical care are essential steps to preserve eyesight and minimize injury. In contrast, while cataract formation, dry eye syndrome, and persistent redness may require treatment and attention, they do not pose an immediate threat to vision or ocular health in the same urgent way as a chemical burn. Cataracts develop gradually and are typically managed with scheduled surgical intervention, while dry eye syndrome involves chronic symptoms that can often be controlled with lifestyle changes and topical treatments. Persistent redness may indicate underlying conditions needing evaluation but usually does not require the emergency intervention that a chemical burn does.