Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

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What type of medication is primarily used to dilate the pupils?

  1. Mydriatics

  2. Analgesics

  3. Antihistamines

  4. Myotics

The correct answer is: Mydriatics

Mydriatics are the type of medication primarily utilized to dilate the pupils. These pharmacological agents work by relaxing the muscles of the iris, which leads to the opening of the pupil (mydriasis). This effect is particularly useful in various ophthalmic examinations and procedures, allowing the healthcare provider to obtain a clearer view of the interior structures of the eye, such as the retina and optic nerve. The other medication categories listed do not serve this purpose effectively. Analgesics are primarily used to relieve pain and do not influence pupil size. Antihistamines are typically utilized to treat allergy symptoms and have varying effects on the eyes but are not primarily involved in pupil dilation. Myotics, conversely, are medications that constrict the pupil, which is the opposite effect of what mydriatics achieve. Thus, mydriatics are the correct choice for dilating the pupils.