Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide to Ensure Exam Success!

"Pink eye" is a commonly used term for conjunctivitis, which is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. This condition can be caused by various factors, including bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or irritants. The characteristic redness associated with conjunctivitis leads to its nickname, "pink eye."

The other conditions mentioned do not refer to "pink eye." Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins, which can cause discomfort and irritation but is not the same as conjunctivitis. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss, often associated with increased intraocular pressure. Macular degeneration is an age-related condition that affects central vision due to damage to the retina, specifically the macula. Thus, the correct identification of "pink eye" as conjunctivitis highlights its role in eye health, particularly in recognizing common ocular conditions.