Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) Practice Test 2025 - Free COT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The alternate cover test is a crucial diagnostic procedure used to assess eye alignment and deviation. It specifically measures how the eyes can focus on a target when each eye is tested separately. The key observation made during this test is the position of the corneal reflex.

When conducting the test, the examiner alternates between covering one eye and then the other while observing the reflection of light on the cornea. If an eye is misaligned, there will be a noticeable shift in the corneal reflex when switching the cover from one eye to the other. This shift indicates a deviation, as it reflects how the eye must move to fixate on the target properly.

In contrast, other options like the presence of double vision or the alignment of the eyelids do not directly inform about the eye's alignment during this specific test. Double vision may indicate misalignment but is not the measure taken during the alternate cover test itself. Observing the alignment of the eyelids focuses on external features rather than the functional assessment of eye position. The movement of extraocular muscles is essential in the overall understanding of eye movement and alignment, yet it does not define eye deviation as viewed during the alternate cover test.