Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms may indicate a priority case that should be seen the same day?

1. Flashing lights in peripheral vision

2. Halos around lights

3. Sudden eye dryness

4. Increased sensitivity to light

The correct answer is: Halos around lights

Flashing lights in peripheral vision is indeed a symptom that can indicate a priority case that should be seen the same day. This symptom may be associated with retinal detachment, which is a serious condition requiring immediate attention to prevent vision loss. Patients reporting flashing lights often experience this as a warning sign that something may be wrong with the retina, necessitating a prompt evaluation by an eye care professional. While halos around lights, sudden eye dryness, and increased sensitivity to light can be concerning and may warrant follow-up, they are generally not as urgent as the symptom of flashing lights. Halos can be a result of various conditions, including refractive errors or cataracts, that typically do not require immediate intervention. Sudden eye dryness may indicate issues like dry eye syndrome but doesn't present as an acute emergency. Increased sensitivity to light, or photophobia, can occur for multiple non-emergency reasons, such as migraine or certain medications, and usually does not require same-day evaluation. Thus, flashing lights stands out as a symptom that should prompt immediate medical attention.