Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What visual symptom might indicate increased intracranial pressure associated with pituitary neoplasms?

1. Diplopia

2. Decreased visual acuity

3. Hyperopia

4. Night blindness

The correct answer is: Decreased visual acuity

Decreased visual acuity is often associated with increased intracranial pressure due to pituitary neoplasms because the optic nerves or the chiasm can become compressed as the size of the tumor increases. This compression can lead to various visual disturbances, including blurred vision or a reduction in visual clarity. The optic chiasm, located just above the pituitary gland, is particularly susceptible to pressure from a pituitary tumor, leading to characteristic visual field defects and decreased visual acuity. Other visual symptoms like diplopia might occur due to other reasons such as cranial nerve palsies but are not as directly indicative of increased intracranial pressure as decreased visual acuity is. Hyperopia generally refers to farsightedness and is not primarily associated with increased intracranial pressure. Night blindness is also a symptom that can occur due to various deficiencies but does not directly indicate increased intracranial pressure. Thus, the association of decreased visual acuity with increased intracranial pressure due to pituitary neoplasms makes it the most relevant choice in this context.