Vision and Ophthalmology Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Pilocarpine eye drops are used in acute angle-closure glaucoma. What is their mechanism of action? → Stimulate muscarinic receptors to cause miosis and open the drainage angle
2. The corneal power (in diopters) is primarily due to which interface? → Air-tear film interface
3. Fluorescein angiography (FA) is primarily used to evaluate: → Retinal and choroidal vasculature
4. Neovascular glaucoma is most commonly associated with which underlying condition? → Central retinal vein occlusion
5. The Amsler grid primarily tests which area of the visual field? → Central 10–20 degrees (macular function)
6. What is the approximate normal visual acuity expected for a healthy 4-year-old child? → 20/40
7. Presbyopia results from decreased ability of the lens to: → Accommodate (change shape) for near vision
8. Which test uses polarized filters to measure stereoacuity (depth perception)? → Random dot stereotest (e.g., Randot)
9. Which cell type is primarily damaged in primary open-angle glaucoma? → Retinal ganglion cells
10. Which procedure uses laser energy to create a peripheral iridotomy for treatment of narrow-angle glaucoma? → Nd:YAG or argon laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)
11. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is superior to fluorescein angiography for imaging: → Choroidal vasculature
12. Corneal transplantation (DSAEK/DMEK) selectively replaces which layer of the cornea? → Endothelium and Descemet's membrane
13. Tropicamide eye drops are used to dilate the pupil for fundus examination. What is their mechanism? → Anticholinergic (muscarinic antagonist)
14. What is the primary function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)? → Phagocytose shed photoreceptor outer segments
15. The gonioscope is used to examine which ocular structure? → Anterior chamber angle (trabecular meshwork)
16. Irregular astigmatism, unlike regular astigmatism, cannot be fully corrected by: → Spectacle lenses with cylindrical correction
17. A nuclear sclerotic cataract typically causes which refractive shift? → Myopic shift
18. Phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs) are used in patients who: → Have high refractive error not suitable for LASIK with natural lens preserved
19. The fovea centralis is located within which structure of the eye? → Macula lutea
20. The cornea derives its nutrients primarily from: → Aqueous humor and tear film
21. Which imaging modality is the gold standard for evaluating the optic nerve fiber layer in glaucoma? → Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
22. Which systemic medication is associated with corneal and retinal deposits visible on slit-lamp examination? → Amiodarone
23. What is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the United States? → Age-related macular degeneration
24. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin is used for which condition? → Predominantly classic CNV in wet AMD
25. What is ptosis in pediatric ophthalmology? → Drooping of the upper eyelid due to levator muscle dysfunction
26. Leukocoria (white pupillary reflex) in a child is most classically associated with which condition? → Retinoblastoma
27. In automated static perimetry, the mean deviation (MD) parameter represents: → The average deviation of all tested points from age-corrected normal values
28. Which antiviral medication is first-line treatment for herpes simplex virus keratitis? → Acyclovir or ganciclovir (topical/oral)
29. Which type of strabismus involves an eye turning inward toward the nose? → Esotropia
30. Pneumatic retinopexy uses which combination to treat selected retinal detachments? → Intravitreal gas bubble + cryotherapy or laser