Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What procedure is commonly performed to obtain a clearer view of the back of the eye during an eye exam?

1. Pupil dilation

2. Tonometry

3. Refractive surgery

4. Visual acuity test

The correct answer is: Pupil dilation

Pupil dilation is a procedure commonly performed to enhance the examination of the back of the eye, also known as the fundus. When the pupils are dilated, they widen, which allows more light to enter the eye and provides the optometrist or eye care professional with a clearer and broader view of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. This is crucial for identifying any potential issues or diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. The other procedures mentioned, such as tonometry, primarily measure intraocular pressure to assess for glaucoma, while refractive surgery is a corrective procedure aimed at changing the shape of the cornea to improve vision. A visual acuity test measures the clarity of vision but does not provide an in-depth view of the internal structures of the eye. Thus, pupil dilation remains integral to the comprehensive evaluation of the back of the eye.