American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Board of Ophthalmology Exam with expert resources. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to excel in your exam.

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What ocular changes occur when reading?

Pupils dilate, eyes diverge, lens flattens
Pupils constrict, eyes converge, lens accommodates
Pupils constrict, eyes diverge, lens flattens
Pupils dilate, eyes converge, lens accommodates

The correct answer is: Pupils constrict, eyes converge, lens accommodates

When reading, a series of ocular changes occur that facilitate the ability to focus on close objects. Pupils constrict to allow less light to enter the eye, improving depth of field and enhancing the clarity of the visual image. This is a response known as the pupillary light reflex, which also helps reduce aberrations and improves the overall sharpness of the vision. At the same time, the eyes converge to direct the line of sight from each eye towards the object being read. This inward movement of the eyes ensures that both eyes are focused on the same point, allowing for binocular vision and a clearer image. Additionally, the lens accommodates by changing its shape, becoming more convex to increase its refractive power. This adjustment is crucial for focusing on nearby text, and it allows the eye to bring the image into sharp focus on the retina. These coordinated adjustments—pupil constriction, eye convergence, and lens accommodation—work together seamlessly to provide optimal vision for close-up tasks like reading.