Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

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Prepare for the Certified Paraoptometric Exam with our comprehensive quiz featuring multiple-choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations, helping you build your knowledge and confidence. Get ready to excel in your career!

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What effect do cycloplegic drugs have on the ciliary muscle?

  1. They stimulate its contraction

  2. They paralyze it

  3. They enhance its function

  4. They have no effect

The correct answer is: They paralyze it

Cycloplegic drugs work by paralyzing the ciliary muscle, which is responsible for adjusting the lens for focusing on near objects. When these drugs are administered, they inhibit the muscle's ability to contract, preventing accommodation. This results in a temporary inability to focus on near tasks, which can be beneficial during certain eye examinations or procedures where a clinician needs to assess the full refractive error without the influence of accommodation. Cycloplegic agents are particularly useful in children or individuals with high accommodation, allowing for more accurate measurement of refractive errors. The other choices do not accurately reflect the action of cycloplegic drugs on the ciliary muscle.