Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What are the enlarged bulges seen on the vessels of the retina called?

1. Microaneurysms

2. Macular edema

3. Macroaneurysms

4. Vascular malformations

The correct answer is: Macroaneurysms

The correct term for the enlarged bulges seen on the vessels of the retina is macroaneurysms. These are typically referred to as larger expansions in the retinal vessels that can be indicative of underlying retinal vascular conditions. Macroaneurysms are generally caused by localized weakness in the vessel wall, leading to dilation and the formation of these bulges. Recognizing macroaneurysms is important for diagnosing and managing retinal disorders, as they can affect vision and may be associated with other complications, such as hemorrhages. Microaneurysms, while they also refer to abnormalities in the retinal vessels, are much smaller than macroaneurysms and are often seen in early diabetic retinopathy. Macular edema, on the other hand, refers to swelling or thickening of the retina in the macular area and does not specifically indicate the presence of bulges in blood vessels. Vascular malformations encompass a broader category of vascular abnormalities and do not exclusively describe the specific condition of bulging vessels. Therefore, macroaneurysms is the most precise term in this context.