Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Exam. Prepare with insightful quizzes and multiple-choice questions that will enhance your understanding of ophthalmic technology. Get ready for your certification with confidence!

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Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in rheumatoid arthritis patients is primarily a result of?

Lacrimal gland damage
Corneal damage
Systemic inflammation
Autoimmune response

The correct answer is: Lacrimal gland damage

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye syndrome, in rheumatoid arthritis patients is primarily associated with lacrimal gland damage. In autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system erroneously attacks the body's own tissues, including the exocrine glands such as the lacrimal glands that are responsible for tear production. This damage leads to a reduced ability to produce tears, resulting in the symptoms of dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the ocular surface. While systemic inflammation and autoimmune responses play significant roles in disease progression and symptom manifestation, the direct cause of keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the impairment of the lacrimal glands. This highlights the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of autoimmune conditions and their impact on ocular health.