Corneal endothelial cell count is measured by?
The reduced effect of low astigmatism in dim light is primarily due to:
Which type of cataract is specifically associated with decreased reading ability?
What is the primary mechanism of pathogenesis in acute angle closure glaucoma?
What condition is characterized by cherry red spot at the macula with retinal whitening?
Most common cause of bilateral optic atrophy is:
Massaging of nasolacrimal duct is done in ?
Irregular pupil is seen in which of the following conditions?
Among the following organisms, which is the most common cause of postoperative endophthalmitis following corneal transplantation?
What is the first clinical sign observed in a patient with anterior uveitis?
NEET-PG 2012 - Ophthalmology NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 41: Corneal endothelial cell count is measured by?
- A. Specular microscope (Correct Answer)
- B. Ophthalmoscope
- C. Synoptophore
- D. Amsler's grid
Explanation: ***Specular microscope*** - A **specular microscope** is specifically designed to provide a high-magnification, non-contact view of the **corneal endothelium**, allowing for direct visualization and counting of endothelial cells. - It measures cell density, morphology, and polymegethism, which are crucial for assessing corneal health, especially before and after intraocular surgeries. *Ophthalmoscope* - An **ophthalmoscope** is used to examine the **fundus** or the back of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, macula, and blood vessels. - It does not have the magnification capabilities required to visualize or count individual corneal endothelial cells. *Synoptophore* - A **synoptophore** is an instrument used to diagnose and treat **strabismus** (eye misalignment) and to assess **binocular vision**. - Its function involves showing different images to each eye to test fusion, suppression, and stereopsis, unrelated to corneal cell count. *Amsler's grid* - **Amsler's grid** is a diagnostic tool used to detect **macular degeneration** and other retinal diseases that affect central vision. - It consists of a grid of straight lines and helps identify distortion or missing areas in the patient's central visual field.
Question 42: The reduced effect of low astigmatism in dim light is primarily due to:
- A. Pupil dilatation
- B. Pupil constriction (Correct Answer)
- C. Increased curvature of lens
- D. Decreased curvature of lens
Explanation: ***Pupil constriction*** - In dim light conditions, patients with low astigmatism may experience **reduced symptoms** due to the **pinhole effect** of pupil constriction when they squint or strain to see better. - **Pupil constriction** limits light entry to the central optical zone, reducing the effect of irregular corneal curvature by creating a smaller aperture that acts like a **stenopic slit**. - This **pinhole effect** improves depth of focus and reduces blur from astigmatism by eliminating peripheral aberrant rays. - When viewing in dim light, patients naturally squint to improve clarity, which mimics pupil constriction and reduces astigmatic blur. *Pupil dilatation* - **Pupil dilatation** in dim light would actually *increase* astigmatic symptoms, not reduce them. - A larger pupil allows more peripheral rays to enter the eye, which pass through areas of the lens and cornea with greater refractive error. - This increases the blur circle and worsens the optical quality in uncorrected astigmatism. *Increased curvature of lens* - **Increased lens curvature** (accommodation) increases refractive power but does not correct the unequal curvature of different meridians that defines astigmatism. - This would not specifically reduce astigmatic blur in dim light conditions. *Decreased curvature of lens* - **Decreased lens curvature** reduces refractive power and is associated with relaxed accommodation. - This does not address the fundamental issue of unequal meridional refraction in astigmatism.
Question 43: Which type of cataract is specifically associated with decreased reading ability?
- A. Blue dot cataract
- B. Nuclear cataract (Correct Answer)
- C. Fusiform cataract
- D. Punctate cataract
Explanation: ***Nuclear cataract*** - **Nuclear cataracts** cause progressive hardening and yellowing of the lens nucleus with increased refractive index - This produces a **myopic shift** that initially causes **"second sight"** (temporary improvement in near vision) - However, as the cataract progresses, the increasing opacity leads to **overall visual decline affecting both distance and near vision**, including reading ability - Among the given options, nuclear cataract is the most common age-related cataract that significantly impairs vision including reading *Blue dot cataract* - **Blue dot cataracts** (cerulean cataracts) are small, bluish peripheral opacities, usually congenital and stationary - They rarely cause significant visual impairment and do not affect reading ability *Fusiform cataract* - **Fusiform cataracts** are congenital spindle-shaped opacities along the visual axis - While they can affect vision if dense, they are rare and not typically associated with progressive reading difficulty *Punctate cataract* - **Punctate cataracts** are small, scattered dot-like opacities in the lens - They are often congenital or age-related and cause minimal visual disturbance - Not specifically associated with decreased reading ability
Question 44: What is the primary mechanism of pathogenesis in acute angle closure glaucoma?
- A. Increased secretion of aqueous humor
- B. Outflow obstruction due to anatomical factors (Correct Answer)
- C. Increased absorption of aqueous humor
- D. Decreased ciliary body function
Explanation: ***Outflow obstruction due to anatomical factors*** - **Acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG)** occurs due to a sudden blockage of the **trabecular meshwork**, which is the primary drainage pathway for aqueous humor. - This blockage is caused by anatomical predispositions, such as a **narrow anterior chamber angle**, relatively large lens, and **pupillary block** leading to iris bombé with peripheral iris bowing forward. - The iridocorneal angle closure prevents aqueous humor drainage, causing **rapid IOP elevation**. *Increased secretion of aqueous humor* - While increased aqueous humor production can contribute to elevated intraocular pressure, it is **not the primary mechanism** in acute angle-closure glaucoma. - This mechanism is more relevant in **open-angle glaucoma** or conditions with ciliary body overactivity. - AACG's hallmark is **outflow obstruction**, not increased production. *Decreased ciliary body function* - Decreased ciliary body function would **reduce aqueous humor production**, leading to **hypotony** (low IOP), not elevated pressure. - This is the opposite of what occurs in AACG, where IOP rises dramatically due to impaired drainage. - Ciliary body dysfunction is seen in conditions like **uveitis** or post-surgical complications. *Increased absorption of aqueous humor* - **Increased absorption** of aqueous humor would **reduce intraocular pressure**, which is the opposite of what occurs in acute angle-closure glaucoma. - The disease is characterized by a **rapid and severe rise in intraocular pressure** due to impaired outflow, not enhanced absorption. - Normal aqueous absorption occurs via trabecular and uveoscleral pathways, both of which are blocked in AACG.
Question 45: What condition is characterized by cherry red spot at the macula with retinal whitening?
- A. CRVO
- B. CRAO (Correct Answer)
- C. Diabetic retinopathy
- D. Syphilitic retinopathy
Explanation: ***CRAO*** - **Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)** is characterized by **sudden, profound, painless monocular vision loss**. - The classic funduscopic finding is a **cherry-red spot at the macula** with diffuse **retinal whitening** due to ischemia. *CRVO* - **Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)** presents with **painless vision loss** but typically shows **hemorrhages**, **dilated tortuous veins**, and **cotton wool spots** on funduscopic exam. - It does not usually cause retinal whitening or a cherry-red spot. *Diabetic retinopathy* - **Diabetic retinopathy** is characterized by **microaneurysms**, **hemorrhages**, **hard exudates**, and **cotton wool spots**, and can lead to neovascularization. - It does not present with acute retinal whitening or a cherry-red spot in the macula. *Syphilitic retinopathy* - **Syphilitic retinopathy** can cause a variety of presentations, including **retinal vasculitis**, **chorioretinitis**, and **optic neuritis**. - It does not typically manifest as a cherry-red spot with diffuse retinal whitening at the macula.
Question 46: Most common cause of bilateral optic atrophy is:
- A. Intracranial tumor
- B. Nutritional deficiency (B12/folate) (Correct Answer)
- C. Hereditary optic neuropathy
- D. Toxic optic neuropathy
Explanation: ***Nutritional deficiency (B12/folate)*** - **Nutritional optic neuropathy** due to deficiencies in B vitamins (especially B12, thiamine) and folate is a common cause of bilateral optic atrophy, particularly in **developing countries** and in populations with **malnutrition or chronic alcoholism**. - These deficiencies impair the **metabolism of retinal ganglion cells** and their axons, leading to symmetric bilateral optic nerve degeneration. - The condition is often **reversible in early stages** with appropriate supplementation. - **Note:** The "most common" cause varies by geographic location, population, and clinical setting. *Hereditary optic neuropathy* - **Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)** and **autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA)** are major causes of bilateral optic atrophy, especially in **younger patients**. - LHON typically presents in young males (15-35 years) with **sequential bilateral visual loss**. - These are among the **most common inherited optic neuropathies** and should always be considered in bilateral cases. *Intracranial tumor* - Intracranial tumors typically cause **unilateral optic atrophy** due to direct compression of one optic nerve. - **Bilateral optic atrophy** can occur with **chiasmal or suprasellar tumors** (pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas) but is less common. - Usually presents with **visual field defects** (bitemporal hemianopia) before significant atrophy develops. *Toxic optic neuropathy* - **Toxic optic neuropathies** result from exposure to substances such as **methanol, ethambutol, tobacco-alcohol amblyopia**, or isoniazid. - Can cause bilateral symmetric optic atrophy but are **exposure-dependent** and less prevalent in general population. - **Tobacco-alcohol amblyopia** may overlap with nutritional deficiency.
Question 47: Massaging of nasolacrimal duct is done in ?
- A. Acute dacryocystitis
- B. Congenital dacryocystitis (Correct Answer)
- C. Conjunctivitis
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Congenital dacryocystitis*** - **Massaging the nasolacrimal duct** (Crigler massage) is a primary treatment for congenital dacryocystitis to promote the opening of the **valve of Hasner**. - This condition is due to incomplete canalization of the nasolacrimal duct, leading to tearing and discharge in infants. *Acute dacryocystitis* - This is an **acute infection of the lacrimal sac**, and massaging can worsen the condition by spreading the infection. - Treatment typically involves **antibiotics** and, if necessary, incision and drainage of any abscess. *Conjunctivitis* - **Conjunctivitis** is inflammation of the conjunctiva and is not related to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. - Massaging the nasolacrimal duct has no therapeutic role in treating conjunctivitis. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **congenital dacryocystitis** is a condition where nasolacrimal duct massage is a standard and effective treatment.
Question 48: Irregular pupil is seen in which of the following conditions?
- A. Glaucoma
- B. Trauma (Correct Answer)
- C. Retinal detachment
- D. Oculomotor palsy
Explanation: ***Trauma*** - **Direct injury to the iris** can cause tears or distortion, leading to an **irregularly shaped pupil** - Results in conditions like **traumatic mydriasis** (dilated pupil) or **iridodialysis** (iris detachment from its root at the ciliary body) - **Sphincter pupillae tears** cause characteristic irregularity with notching or peaked appearance *Glaucoma* - Primarily characterized by **optic nerve damage** due to increased intraocular pressure - In acute angle closure glaucoma, pupil may be **mid-dilated and fixed**, but remains **round**, not irregular - Pupil shape irregularity is not a feature of chronic glaucoma *Retinal detachment* - Involves **separation of the neurosensory retina** from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium - This is a **posterior segment pathology** that does not affect anterior segment structures - **Pupil shape remains regular** despite severe vision loss *Oculomotor palsy* - Affects the **third cranial nerve (CN III)**, leading to ptosis, strabismus, and loss of parasympathetic innervation - Pupil is typically **dilated and fixed** due to unopposed sympathetic action - Pupil remains **round but unresponsive to light**, not irregular in shape
Question 49: Among the following organisms, which is the most common cause of postoperative endophthalmitis following corneal transplantation?
- A. Streptococcus
- B. Pseudomonas
- C. Propionibacterium acnes
- D. Staph epidermidis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Staph epidermidis*** - **Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus** (CoNS), including *S. epidermidis*, is the most frequent cause of **postoperative endophthalmitis** after both cataract surgery and corneal transplantation due to its presence on the normal ocular flora. - These organisms can form **biofilms on intraocular lenses** or transplanted corneal tissue, making eradication difficult. *Streptococcus* - While *Streptococcus* species can cause endophthalmitis, they are associated with a **more virulent and rapid onset** of severe inflammation and are not the most common causative agents of postoperative endophthalmitis compared to *S. epidermidis*. - They tend to cause more aggressive infections with often **poorer visual outcomes**. *Propionibacterium acnes* - *Propionibacterium acnes* can cause a **late-onset, indolent form of endophthalmitis**, typically months or even years after surgery. - While it is a recognized cause, it is far **less common** than *Staphylococcus epidermidis* in immediate or early postoperative cases. *Pseudomonas* - **Pseudomonas aeruginosa** is an aggressive and rapid-onset pathogen often associated with **severe keratitis** or **post-traumatic endophthalmitis**. - Although it can cause postoperative endophthalmitis, it is **much less common** than coagulase-negative staphylococci due to its infrequency on normal conjunctival flora.
Question 50: What is the first clinical sign observed in a patient with anterior uveitis?
- A. Presence of aqueous flare (Correct Answer)
- B. Presence of hypopyon
- C. Presence of miosis
- D. Presence of keratic precipitates
Explanation: ***Presence of aqueous flare*** - **Aqueous flare** is considered the **earliest clinical sign** of anterior uveitis, representing increased protein content in the anterior chamber due to breakdown of the **blood-aqueous barrier**. - It is detected as a visible "haze" when a **slit lamp beam** passes through the anterior chamber, similar to observing dust particles in a light beam. *Presence of hypopyon* - **Hypopyon** is a more severe sign, indicating a **layer of white blood cells** in the anterior chamber, representing a more advanced inflammatory process. - While it can occur in severe anterior uveitis, it is not typically the **first or earliest** clinical manifestation. *Presence of miosis* - **Miosis** (pupillary constriction) can be present in anterior uveitis due to **iris inflammation** and irritation of the sphincter muscle. - However, it is an indirect sign and typically occurs *after* the initial signs of inflammation in the aqueous humor, such as flare. *Presence of keratic precipitates* - **Keratic precipitates (KPs)** are deposits of inflammatory cells on the **endothelium of the cornea**. - These deposits are a result of sustained inflammation and typically appear *after* the initial inflammatory changes in the aqueous humor, such as flare, have already occurred.