Practice Test Geeks(CPOA) Certified Paraoptometric Assistant Practice Test
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Ocular Pharmacology Flashcards

7 cards from real CPOA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Ocular Pharmacology flashcards as text

  1. Which topical ophthalmic agent is used to reverse the effects of phenylephrine-induced mydriasis?

    Answer: Pilocarpine

    Pilocarpine, a cholinergic miotic agent, constricts the pupil by stimulating the iris sphincter muscle, reversing sympathomimetic mydriasis.

  2. Atropine 1% has a longer duration of cycloplegia than cyclopentolate 1%. Approximately how long does atropine's cycloplegic effect last?

    Answer: 1-2 weeks

    Atropine's cycloplegic effect can persist for 7-14 days (up to 2 weeks), making it useful in pediatric refraction but inconvenient for routine dilation.

  3. Sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose are common active ingredients in which type of ocular product?

    Answer: Artificial tears / lubricating eye drops

    Sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose are viscosity-enhancing agents that lubricate and moisturize the ocular surface, used in artificial tear preparations.

  4. A patient reports a severe allergic reaction to an ophthalmic medication. Which finding would indicate anaphylaxis requiring emergency response?

    Answer: Difficulty breathing and hypotension

    Anaphylaxis presents with systemic symptoms including respiratory distress and cardiovascular collapse (hypotension), requiring immediate emergency intervention.

  5. Which antiviral medication is used topically to treat herpes simplex keratitis?

    Answer: Trifluridine (Viroptic)

    Trifluridine (trifluorothymidine) is a topical antiviral that inhibits viral DNA synthesis and is the first-line treatment for HSV epithelial keratitis.

  6. When a patient is using multiple eye drops, what is the recommended minimum waiting time between instillation of different drops?

    Answer: 2-3 minutes

    A minimum interval of 2-5 minutes between drops is recommended to allow each medication to be absorbed before the next drop washes it out.

  7. Natamycin ophthalmic suspension is used to treat which type of ocular infection?

    Answer: Fungal keratitis

    Natamycin is a polyene antifungal that binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes and is the only FDA-approved topical antifungal for fungal keratitis.