Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Prep Exam
2026/2027 – Comprehensive Practice Questions &
Review
Vitreous - correct answer-Jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye.
Eye Floaters - correct answer-Tiny clumps of cells or other material inside the
vitreous. These look like small specks, strings or clouds moving in your field of
vision.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - correct answer-Leading cause of
severe, irreversible vision loss in people over 60. It occurs when the small central
portion of the retina, called the macula, deteriorates. People will lose their central
vision but can still see out of their peripheral (side) vision.
Dry AMD - correct answer-When parts of the macula get thinner with age and
drusen grow. You slowly lose central vision. There is no way to treat it yet. Quite
common.
Wet AMD - correct answer-When new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the
retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids , causing scarring of the
macula. Less common but more serious, you lose your vision faster.
,Drusen - correct answer-Tiny white or yellow particles that form under the retina.
They seldom cause vision loss. But many (or very large) drusen can be a sign of
AMD.
Retina - correct answer-Layer of nerve cells lining the back wall inside the eye.
This layer senses light and sends signals to the brain so you can see.
How is AMD diagnosed? - correct answer-Amsler grid, dilated exam, fluorescein
angiography or optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Glaucoma - correct answer-Increased pressure in the eye from too much fluid
which can damage the optic nerve.
Optic Nerve - correct answer-A nerve located at the back of the eye that connects
to the brain. It sends light signals to your brain so you can see.
Aqueous humor - correct answer-Clear liquid inside the front part of our eyes
between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and keeps it inflated.
Iris - correct answer-Colored part of the eye. It controls the size of your pupil to
let light into your eye.
Cataract - correct answer-Age related, clouding of the lens in the eyes that effect
vision. Vision looks blurry, hazy or less colorful. Surgery is the only way to correct
it.
Cataract Symptoms - correct answer-Having blurry vision, seeing double, light
sensitive, faded color vision.
, Cornea - correct answer-Clear, dome-shape window of the front of your eye. It
focuses light into your eye.
Corneal Abrasion - correct answer-Superficial scratches and erosions of the
cornea.
Blepharitis - correct answer-inflammation of eyelid, causing redness, crusting, and
swelling along lid margins
Pinguecula - correct answer-A growth that looks like a yellow spot or bump on
the conjunctiva. It often appears on the side of the eye near your nose. it is a
deposit of protein, fat, or calcium. Believed to be caused by having dry eyes, wind
exposure, dust, and UV light from sun.
Pterygium - correct answer-A growth of fleshy tissue that may start as a
pinguecula. It can remain small or grow large enough to cover part of the cornea.
When this happens, it can affect your vision. Believed to be caused by having dry
eyes, wind exposure, dust, and UV light from sun.
Conjunctiva - correct answer-Clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and
the inside of your eyelids.
Sclera - correct answer-The outer layer of the eye. This is the white part of the
eye.
Macular Edema - correct answer-Swelling of the Macula from leaking blood
vessels. Causes vision loss.
2026/2027 – Comprehensive Practice Questions &
Review
Vitreous - correct answer-Jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye.
Eye Floaters - correct answer-Tiny clumps of cells or other material inside the
vitreous. These look like small specks, strings or clouds moving in your field of
vision.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - correct answer-Leading cause of
severe, irreversible vision loss in people over 60. It occurs when the small central
portion of the retina, called the macula, deteriorates. People will lose their central
vision but can still see out of their peripheral (side) vision.
Dry AMD - correct answer-When parts of the macula get thinner with age and
drusen grow. You slowly lose central vision. There is no way to treat it yet. Quite
common.
Wet AMD - correct answer-When new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the
retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids , causing scarring of the
macula. Less common but more serious, you lose your vision faster.
,Drusen - correct answer-Tiny white or yellow particles that form under the retina.
They seldom cause vision loss. But many (or very large) drusen can be a sign of
AMD.
Retina - correct answer-Layer of nerve cells lining the back wall inside the eye.
This layer senses light and sends signals to the brain so you can see.
How is AMD diagnosed? - correct answer-Amsler grid, dilated exam, fluorescein
angiography or optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Glaucoma - correct answer-Increased pressure in the eye from too much fluid
which can damage the optic nerve.
Optic Nerve - correct answer-A nerve located at the back of the eye that connects
to the brain. It sends light signals to your brain so you can see.
Aqueous humor - correct answer-Clear liquid inside the front part of our eyes
between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and keeps it inflated.
Iris - correct answer-Colored part of the eye. It controls the size of your pupil to
let light into your eye.
Cataract - correct answer-Age related, clouding of the lens in the eyes that effect
vision. Vision looks blurry, hazy or less colorful. Surgery is the only way to correct
it.
Cataract Symptoms - correct answer-Having blurry vision, seeing double, light
sensitive, faded color vision.
, Cornea - correct answer-Clear, dome-shape window of the front of your eye. It
focuses light into your eye.
Corneal Abrasion - correct answer-Superficial scratches and erosions of the
cornea.
Blepharitis - correct answer-inflammation of eyelid, causing redness, crusting, and
swelling along lid margins
Pinguecula - correct answer-A growth that looks like a yellow spot or bump on
the conjunctiva. It often appears on the side of the eye near your nose. it is a
deposit of protein, fat, or calcium. Believed to be caused by having dry eyes, wind
exposure, dust, and UV light from sun.
Pterygium - correct answer-A growth of fleshy tissue that may start as a
pinguecula. It can remain small or grow large enough to cover part of the cornea.
When this happens, it can affect your vision. Believed to be caused by having dry
eyes, wind exposure, dust, and UV light from sun.
Conjunctiva - correct answer-Clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and
the inside of your eyelids.
Sclera - correct answer-The outer layer of the eye. This is the white part of the
eye.
Macular Edema - correct answer-Swelling of the Macula from leaking blood
vessels. Causes vision loss.
