Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which of the following questions would you not ask while checking a patient's response to the Amsler grid?

1. "Is the center spot visible in the grid?"

2. "Do you see colors in the grid?"

3. "Are the horizontal and vertical lines straight and parallel?"

4. "Can you see all four sides of the grid?"

The correct answer is: "Do you see colors in the grid?"

In assessing a patient's response to the Amsler grid, the focus is primarily on detecting changes in vision that may signify conditions such as macular degeneration. The correct answer highlights that asking about the perception of colors in the grid is not relevant to the primary purpose of the test. The Amsler grid is designed to evaluate central vision by asking patients about the visibility of the grid's center spot, the distortion of lines, and whether they can see the bounds of the grid. These elements directly relate to the integrity of the macula and the patient's central vision quality. Questions about visibility of the center spot, the straightness and parallel nature of the lines, and whether all sides of the grid are visible directly assess the patient's visual acuity and perception of distortion, which are critical variables in diagnosing retinal conditions. Conversely, asking about colors does not provide pertinent information regarding the functional characteristics of central vision or the presence of any distortions. Color perception is more related to the cones in the retina and does not inherently give indications of macular health or assess visual field distortion effectively. Therefore, it is the least relevant question in connection with the Amsler grid assessment.