Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

The instrument used to enlarge the punctum prior to certain eye treatments is called a dilator. The punctum dilator is specifically designed to gently dilate the punctum, which is the opening of the tear duct in the eyelid. This is necessary to ensure proper drainage or treatment of the nasolacrimal system. The other options provided are not used for enlarging the punctum. A curette is typically used for scraping or debriding tissue, forceps are used for grasping and holding objects, and scissors are used for cutting. Therefore, these instruments are not appropriate for enlarging the punctum in the context of eye treatments.