Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What condition characterized by low IOP may occur after trabeculectomy or laser iridectomy for primary angle closure glaucoma?

1. Corneal edema

2. Uveal effusion

3. Retinal detachment

4. Anterior chamber infection

The correct answer is: Uveal effusion

The condition characterized by low intraocular pressure (IOP) that may occur after procedures such as trabeculectomy or laser iridectomy for primary angle closure glaucoma is uveal effusion. Following these surgical interventions, the structural changes to the eye can lead to fluid accumulation in the uveal tract, specifically in the choroid, resulting in uveal effusion. This phenomenon is particularly seen in cases where the drainage of aqueous humor improves significantly after the surgical intervention. In such scenarios, a rapid change in IOP can lead to a mismatch in the pressure between the intravitreal and the uveal spaces, contributing to the effusion. Uveal effusion itself can lead to additional complications, including visual disturbances and possibly prompting further surgical intervention to address the fluid collection. Conditions like corneal edema, retinal detachment, and anterior chamber infection, while possible complications associated with eye surgeries, are not primarily related to low IOP following trabeculectomy or laser iridectomy. Corneal edema typically results from high IOP or compromised endothelial function; retinal detachment can occur related to traction or fluid shifts but is not directly classified by low IOP conditions; and anterior chamber infections are associated with surgical complications rather than the specific context of