Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What occurs when the retina pulls away from the rest of the eyeball?

1. Flashes

2. Floaters

3. Retinal detachment

4. Diabetic Retinopathy

The correct answer is: Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, a 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 is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated urgently. It often presents with symptoms such as flashes of light or the appearance of floaters, which are small specks or cobweb-like images that drift in the field of vision. Understanding that retinal detachment disrupts the attachment of the retina emphasizes the importance of seeking prompt care, as timely intervention can help restore vision and prevent further complications. The other terms, such as flashes and floaters, describe symptoms or signs related to various eye conditions, but they do not define the primary condition itself. Diabetic retinopathy, on the other hand, is a different pathology related to diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, not an occurrence of the retina detaching from the eyeball.