Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

When using an indirect ophthalmoscope, how is the image of the fundus perceived?

1. Clear and enlarged

2. Inverted, reversed, and magnified

3. Flattened and distorted

4. Direct and discolored

The correct answer is: Inverted, reversed, and magnified

When using an indirect ophthalmoscope, the image of the fundus is perceived as inverted, reversed, and magnified. This occurs because the indirect ophthalmoscope uses a lens to project the light from the fundus onto the observer's eye, creating a virtual image. The positioning of the lens relative to the retina results in an inverted and reversed view of the fundus, similar to how a microscope produces an inverted image of a specimen. Moreover, the indirect method provides a magnified view, allowing the clinician to see fine details of the retina, which is essential for diagnosing various ocular conditions. The size of the image also enables a broader field of view compared to direct methods. This combination of inversion, reversal, and magnification is a fundamental characteristic of indirect ophthalmoscopy, making it an effective tool for comprehensive retinal examination. While the other choices mention qualities that could pertain to different imaging techniques or misunderstand the properties of the indirect ophthalmoscope, they do not accurately describe the specific image characteristics produced by this method.