Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

Which of the following best describes myopia?

1. An eye condition that requires reading glasses

2. An eye condition that causes difficulty seeing at a distance

3. An eye condition corrected with over-the-counter reading lenses

4. An eye condition where images focus behind the retina

The correct answer is: An eye condition that causes difficulty seeing at a distance

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is characterized by difficulty seeing objects at a distance while being able to see nearby objects clearly. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Individuals with myopia will find that distant objects appear blurry, which accurately aligns with the description of difficulty seeing at a distance. The other choices refer to conditions or factors that are not representative of myopia. For example, the first choice pertains to presbyopia, which is often associated with the aging process and is related to the need for reading glasses. The third choice refers specifically to the use of over-the-counter reading lenses, which are not typically used for correcting myopia, as myopia requires corrective lenses that are designed for distance vision. Lastly, the fourth choice describes hyperopia, or farsightedness, where images focus behind the retina, which is the opposite of what occurs in myopia.