COST Ocular Pathology & Disease Recognition

Question 1

Which type of cataract is most commonly associated with corticosteroid use and diabetes mellitus?

Accepted Answer

Posterior subcapsular cataract

Answer

Posterior subcapsular cataracts form at the back of the lens capsule and are strongly associated with chronic corticosteroid use, diabetes, and radiation exposure.

Question 2

The primary pathological mechanism in primary open-angle glaucoma involves:

Accepted Answer

Impaired drainage through the trabecular meshwork

Answer

Open-angle glaucoma results from progressive impairment of aqueous outflow through the trabecular meshwork, leading to elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.

Question 3

Drusen deposits in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are located between which two layers?

Accepted Answer

Retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane

Answer

Drusen are extracellular deposits that accumulate between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane, a hallmark finding in AMD.

Question 4

Which finding is characteristic of non-proliferative (background) diabetic retinopathy?

Accepted Answer

Microaneurysms and dot-blot hemorrhages

Answer

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is characterized by microaneurysms, dot-blot hemorrhages, hard exudates, and cotton-wool spots without new vessel formation.

Question 5

Exudative (serous) retinal detachment differs from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in that it:

Accepted Answer

Involves subretinal fluid without any retinal tear or break

Answer

Exudative retinal detachment occurs when fluid accumulates beneath the retina from leaking blood vessels or inflammation without a break in the retina.

COST - Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist Practice Test

COST - Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist Practice Test

COST Ocular Pathology & Disease Recognition