Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which eye condition is characterized by two clinical types, wet and dry?

1. Cataracts

2. ARMD

3. Glaucoma

4. Diabetic retinopathy

The correct answer is: ARMD

The condition characterized by two clinical types, wet and dry, is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). ARMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. The dry type, which is more common, involves the gradual thinning and deterioration of the macula, leading to slow vision loss. The wet type arises when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking fluid and causing rapid and severe vision loss. This classification into wet and dry forms helps in understanding the disease's progress and tailoring appropriate treatment strategies. Cataracts primarily involve clouding of the lens in the eye, while glaucoma is related to optic nerve damage usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Diabetic retinopathy refers to damage to the retina due to diabetes and doesn't have the wet and dry classification. Thus, ARMD is the only condition in this list that is distinguished by these two clinical types.