Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is the condition characterized by swelling of the optic nerve head, often related to hypertension?

1. Papilledema

2. Glaucoma

3. Retinopathy

4. Optic neuritis

The correct answer is: Papilledema

The condition characterized by swelling of the optic nerve head, particularly in relation to hypertension, is indeed papilledema. Papilledema occurs when there is increased intracranial pressure that leads to fluid accumulation around the optic nerve. This swelling can be a response to various factors, but it is often associated with conditions like hypertension or intracranial pathologies. Understanding papilledema is crucial as it can reflect serious underlying health issues, including brain tumors, hemorrhages, or severe hypertension, and thus requires prompt evaluation and management. While other conditions such as glaucoma, retinopathy, and optic neuritis also affect vision and eye health, they do not specifically cause the optic nerve head to swell due to increased intracranial pressure. Glaucoma typically involves damage to the optic nerve from increased intraocular pressure, but it does not result in the swelling characteristic of papilledema. Retinopathy refers to diseases affecting the retina, often as a result of diabetes or hypertension, but does not cause optic nerve head swelling. Optic neuritis involves inflammation of the optic nerve, which may lead to vision loss but is distinct from the swelling associated with papilledema and usually presents with different clinical signs and symptoms.