Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What condition is associated with the breakdown of the central area of vision due to advancing age?

1. Glaucoma

2. Macular Degeneration

3. Diabetic Retinopathy

4. Myopia

The correct answer is: Macular Degeneration

The condition associated with the breakdown of the central area of vision due to advancing age is macular degeneration. This degenerative eye condition primarily affects the macula, which is the region of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision necessary for tasks like reading and recognizing faces. As people age, the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases, leading to progressive vision loss in the center of the visual field while peripheral vision typically remains intact. In contrast, glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often associated with high intraocular pressure, and does not primarily affect the central vision directly due to aging. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems but is also not directly related to age alone. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that generally occurs due to the shape of the eye rather than advancing age, making it distinct from age-related conditions like macular degeneration.