AOC Pharmacology Fundamentals 3

Question 1

Which cycloplegic agent has the longest duration of action and is used primarily for therapeutic cycloplegia in amblyopia treatment?

Accepted Answer

Atropine

Answer

Atropine has the longest duration (up to 2 weeks) among cycloplegics and is used in penalization therapy for amblyopia by blurring the fellow eye.

Question 2

Fluorescein sodium, used in clinical practice, primarily serves which diagnostic purpose?

Accepted Answer

Detecting corneal epithelial defects under cobalt-blue light

Answer

Fluorescein stains areas of disrupted corneal epithelium and fluoresces bright green under cobalt-blue light, revealing abrasions, ulcers, and punctate defects.

Question 3

A patient on oral acetazolamide for IOP control reports tingling in the fingers and toes. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Paresthesias due to systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibition

Answer

Systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibition by acetazolamide causes metabolic acidosis and electrolyte shifts, producing the classic side effect of peripheral paresthesias.

Question 4

Which preservative found in many topical ophthalmic medications is associated with corneal toxicity with prolonged use?

Accepted Answer

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK)

Answer

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a detergent preservative that disrupts the lipid layer of the tear film and can cause corneal epithelial toxicity with chronic exposure.

Question 5

Rose bengal dye is used in ophthalmic practice to stain which specific tissue type?

Accepted Answer

Dead or devitalized epithelial cells and mucus

Answer

Rose bengal stains dead and devitalized epithelial cells and mucus strands, making it useful for evaluating dry eye disease and herpetic dendrites.

(AOC) American Orthoptic Council Practice Test

(AOC) American Orthoptic Council Practice Test

AOC Pharmacology Fundamentals 3