Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

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Which type of eye drop is used to paralyze accommodation in order to reveal hyperopia?

Antihistamine
Cycloplegic
Mydriatic
Topical anesthetic

The correct answer is: Cycloplegic

The correct choice is cycloplegic. Cycloplegic eye drops are specifically formulated to temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle of the eye, which is responsible for adjusting the shape of the lens during accommodation. This paralysis makes it impossible for the eye to focus on near objects, allowing for an accurate assessment of hyperopia (farsightedness) during an eye examination. By preventing accommodation, cycloplegics help clinicians determine the true refractive state of the eye without the influence of the muscle's natural ability to adjust focus. Other types of eye drops listed do not serve this purpose. Antihistamines are typically used for allergic reactions affecting the eyes, where there is a need to relieve symptoms like itching and redness. Mydriatic drops cause dilation of the pupil but do not paralyze accommodation; they are generally used for a different type of examination or assessment. Topical anesthetics are utilized to numb the eye for procedures but do not affect accommodation. Thus, the use of cycloplegic agents is essential for accurate refraction in cases of hyperopia.