Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What occurs during retinal detachment?

1. The retina moves towards the back of the eye

2. The retina pulls away from the rest of the eyeball

3. The retina thickens and bulges

4. The retina heals itself

The correct answer is: The retina pulls away from the rest of the eyeball

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, which is the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending visual signals to the brain, pulls away from its normal position. This separation can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. The detachment can result from various factors, including trauma, tears in the retina, or other underlying conditions. The option regarding the retina moving towards the back of the eye does not describe the process of detachment, as that would imply the retina is returning to a more stable position rather than moving away. Similarly, the options related to the retina thickening and bulging or healing itself do not accurately capture the physiological changes that occur during a detached state, as retinal detachment typically does not involve self-healing or natural thickening; rather, it represents a pathological separation that requires medical intervention for resolution.