Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What should be recorded when assessing the push up method for NPA?

1. Only the distance from the eye

2. Both blurred image distance and dioptric power

3. Only the dioptric power

4. Only the duration of the test

The correct answer is: Both blurred image distance and dioptric power

When assessing the push up method for near point of accommodation (NPA), it is essential to record both the distance from the eye at which the target became blurred and the dioptric power corresponding to that distance. This dual recording is important because the distance provides a practical measurement of the patient's accommodation ability in a real-world context, while the dioptric power gives a precise numerical representation of that distance in optical terms. By documenting both aspects, the healthcare provider can better evaluate the patient’s accommodative capacity and track any changes over time, which is crucial for diagnosing accommodation-related issues. The blurred image is a key part of determining the NPA, as it indicates the limit of a person's ability to focus on a nearby object, while the dioptric power puts this distance into perspective, allowing for quantitative assessments that can aid in treatment planning or further investigation.