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

The primary purpose of pupil dilation during an eye exam is to allow better observation of the retina. When the pupils are dilated, they widen significantly, which provides the eye care professional with a clearer and more comprehensive view of the internal structures of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, and blood vessels. This enhanced visibility is crucial for detecting various eye conditions such as retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, which may not be clearly seen when the pupils are not dilated.

While changing a vision prescription, measuring intraocular pressure, and assessing corneal curvature are important aspects of a comprehensive eye examination, they are not directly related to the reasons for pupil dilation. Those procedures can typically be performed without needing to dilate the pupils, whereas retinal examination relies heavily on having a dilated pupil for better visibility and assessment.