COST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield COST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary route by which aqueous humor drains from the eye to maintain intraocular pressure? → Schlemm's canal via the trabecular meshwork
2. What is the function of a vitrectomy in ophthalmic surgery? → To remove the vitreous humor and treat retinal conditions
3. Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy primarily causes vision loss by affecting which corneal layer? → Endothelium
4. How should a practitioner handle an unexpected finding during pharmacology basics procedures? → Document it and follow established protocols for further evaluation
5. What is the purpose of a tonometer in ophthalmic procedures? → To measure intraocular pressure.
6. What is the primary purpose of aseptic technique in ophthalmic surgery? → To prevent microbial contamination and infection.
7. Preoperative NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops) are used before cataract surgery primarily to: → Prevent intraoperative miosis and reduce postoperative inflammation
8. How should a practitioner handle an unexpected finding during documentation standards procedures? → Document it and follow established protocols for further evaluation
9. In the context of Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist, what is the primary goal of diagnostic procedures? → Optimal patient outcomes and safety
10. Which evidence-based approach is most important when applying patient safety protocols principles? → Integrating current research with clinical expertise and patient values
11. The aqueous humor is produced by which ocular structure? → Ciliary body
12. Which ethical principle is most directly applicable to treatment planning? → Beneficence — acting in the patient's best interest
13. Which layer of the choroid is directly adjacent to the outer surface of the retinal pigment epithelium? → Choriocapillaris
14. How should a practitioner handle an unexpected finding during clinical assessment methods procedures? → Document it and follow established protocols for further evaluation
15. How should a practitioner handle an unexpected finding during patient safety protocols procedures? → Document it and follow established protocols for further evaluation
16. In the context of Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist, what is the primary goal of medical ethics and law? → Optimal patient outcomes and safety
17. In the context of Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist, what is the primary goal of patient communication? → Optimal patient outcomes and safety
18. What role does documentation play in treatment planning? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
19. What is the purpose of a corneal transplant in ophthalmic surgery? → To replace a damaged cornea and restore vision
20. How should a practitioner handle an unexpected finding during treatment planning procedures? → Document it and follow established protocols for further evaluation
21. Optic neuritis as seen in multiple sclerosis characteristically presents with: → Acute unilateral vision loss with pain on eye movement
22. Which ocular hypotensive agent class lowers IOP by increasing uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor? → Prostaglandin analogs
23. Vitreous hemorrhage is most commonly a complication of which ocular condition? → Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
24. What role does documentation play in diagnostic procedures? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
25. Which ethical principle is most directly applicable to pharmacology basics? → Beneficence — acting in the patient's best interest
26. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the majority of sensory innervation to the cornea? → Cranial nerve V1 (ophthalmic branch of trigeminal)
27. Which layer of the cornea is responsible for its transparency and makes up approximately 90% of its thickness? → Stroma
28. Triamcinolone acetonide is injected intravitreally or subconjunctivally in ophthalmic surgery primarily as which type of agent? → Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory
29. What role does documentation play in pharmacology basics? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
30. Aqueous-deficient dry eye syndrome is most commonly caused by dysfunction of which structure? → Main lacrimal gland