Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

A child who is "blind as a bat" is exhibiting symptoms related to which class of ophthalmic preparations?

1. Parasympathomimetics

2. Parasympatholytics

3. Sympathomimetics

4. Sympatholytics

The correct answer is: Parasympatholytics

The phrase "blind as a bat" often refers to significant visual impairment, which can occur due to various factors. In this context, the symptoms observed in the child may relate to the class of ophthalmic preparations known as parasympatholytics. These medications work by blocking the action of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to effects such as pupil dilation (mydriasis) and reduced tear production, which can contribute to decreased vision clarity. Parasympatholytics, such as atropine, are used to dilate the pupil for diagnostic purposes or to treat certain eye conditions. When the pupil is dilated, light entering the eye is not as effectively controlled, potentially leading to difficulties in focusing and hazy vision under bright conditions. Therefore, if the child is experiencing symptoms associated with poor vision, the role of parasympatholytic agents in causing these symptoms through pupil dilation is a key factor. In contrast, the other classes of ophthalmic preparations do not align with the 'blind as a bat' symptoms to the same extent. For example, sympathomimetics and sympatholytics act on different pathways and would not typically produce the same degree of visual impairment in this scenario.