Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What is a common cause of vision changes in patients with diabetes?

1. Retinal vascular changes

2. Corneal edema

3. Asteroid hyalosis

4. Lens dislocation

The correct answer is: Retinal vascular changes

A common cause of vision changes in patients with diabetes is retinal vascular changes. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition characterized by damage to the blood vessels of the retina. High blood sugar levels can cause these vessels to leak fluid or bleed, resulting in swelling, the formation of new blood vessels, and potential retinal detachment. These changes can significantly affect vision and can progress in stages, often going unnoticed until substantial damage has occurred. Other factors, such as corneal edema, asteroid hyalosis, or lens dislocation, can also influence vision but are not as directly linked to the metabolic and vascular changes caused by diabetes in the way that retinal vascular changes are. Therefore, understanding the effects of diabetic retinopathy is critical when considering vision changes in diabetic patients.