Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What does central fixation indicate regarding the corneal reflex?

1. It is different in both eyes

2. It is absent in one eye

3. It is same in both eyes

4. It tends to fluctuate

The correct answer is: It is same in both eyes

Central fixation indicates that the corneal reflex is the same in both eyes. When a person is able to fixate centrally, it means that they are using both eyes in a coordinated manner for visual tasks. This coordination extends to the function of the corneal reflex, where both eyes should demonstrate a similar response when the cornea is stimulated, showing that the neural pathways responsible for the reflex are intact and functioning equally on both sides. In cases of discrepancy, such as if the reflex were absent in one eye or if it fluctuated, this could suggest underlying issues such as nerve damage or neurological problems affecting one eye, leading to asymmetry in the reflex response. Therefore, central fixation indicates a healthy, coordinated response in which both eyes are normal and equal in their reflex action when stimulated.