Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which part of the eye contracts when exposed to bright light?

1. Pupil

2. Iris

3. Cornea

4. Sclera

The correct answer is: Iris

The correct response is that the iris is the part of the eye that contracts when exposed to bright light. The iris is the colored part of the eye and contains muscles that control the size of the pupil, which is the opening that lets light enter the eye. Under bright light conditions, the muscles of the iris constrict, which in turn makes the pupil smaller. This constriction helps protect the inner structures of the eye from excessive light exposure and aids in improving visual acuity. The pupil itself is the opening, not a muscle. The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye that helps in focusing light. The sclera is the white outer layer of the eyeball, providing structure and protection to the eye. Therefore, the iris is the correct choice as it is responsible for the response to bright light, managing the amount of light that enters through the pupil.