Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What is known as a thickening of connective tissue on the sides of the cornea?

1. Ptygerium

2. Pinguecula

3. Keratoconus

4. Nystagmus

The correct answer is: Pinguecula

The correct answer is the thickening of connective tissue on the sides of the cornea known as a pinguecula. This condition refers specifically to a yellowish, raised growth that commonly appears on the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the white part of the eye. It often occurs in response to UV exposure, dryness, or irritants, leading to the development of this thickening. While pterygium is also related to growth on the eye, it is different in that it often extends onto the cornea itself and can impact vision. Keratoconus refers to a condition where the cornea thins and begins to bulge into a conical shape, which is not a thickening of connective tissue. Nystagmus is a condition characterized by involuntary eye movements and is unrelated to corneal tissue thickening. Thus, pinguecula is the most accurate descriptor of the thickening of connective tissue specifically on the sides of the cornea.