NEET-PG 2015 - Ophthalmology Practice Questions

Q: A 44-year-old woman presents with sudden painless loss of vision with a history of previous similar episodes. Fundoscopy shows no glow. What could be the possible diagnosis?

Vitreous Hemorrhage. ***Vitreous Hemorrhage*** - **Painless vision loss** is a hallmark symptom, and **previous similar episodes** suggest a recurrent condition, characteristic of vitreous hemorrhage from fragile vessels. - The **"no glow"** on fundoscopy indicates that light from the ophthalmoscope is unable to reflect off the retina due to something obstructing the clear media, such as blood in the vitreous cavity. *Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment* - While it causes **painless vision loss**, patients often report **floaters** or **flashes of light** preceding the detachment, which are not mentioned here. - Fundoscopy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment would typically show a **grayish, elevated retina**, often with folds, not a complete loss of red reflex or ''no glow.'' *Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma* - Characterized by **sudden, severe eye pain**, blurred vision, and often a **red eye** with a fixed, mid-dilated pupil. - Fundoscopy would typically reveal a **cupped optic disc** in advanced stages, but the primary finding is elevated intraocular pressure, with a clear vitreous, thus allowing an initial glow. *Fungal Keratitis* - This is an **infection of the cornea** that typically presents with pain, redness, photophobia, and a visible corneal ulcer or infiltrate. - Vision loss is gradual, and fundoscopy would still show a **normal red reflex** unless the corneal opacity is extremely dense, which is not implied by "no glow."

Q: All of the following are true for retinopathy of prematurity except which of the following?

End result is bilateral blindness. ***End result is bilateral blindness*** - While retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can lead to severe vision loss or blindness, it is not always a bilateral end result, especially with early diagnosis and treatment. The severity can vary between eyes, and some cases resolve spontaneously. - Modern screening and intervention strategies, such as laser photocoagulation or anti-VEGF injections, are often successful in preventing complete blindness in one or both eyes. *Due to hypoxia there occurs neovascularization followed by fibroproliferation* - This statement accurately describes the pathogenesis of ROP. The initial phase involves delayed normal retinal vascularization, followed by a proliferative phase characterized by **neovascularization** in response to hypoxia in the avascular retina. - These new, abnormal vessels are fragile and prone to bleeding, and their associated **fibrovascular proliferation** can lead to retinal detachment. *Blindness can be prevented by early diagnosis and ablation of vascular premature retina with cryotherapy or photocoagulation* - This is a true statement. **Early diagnosis** through ophthalmologic screening of premature infants is crucial, and treatments like **laser photocoagulation** or **cryotherapy** are effective in ablating the avascular peripheral retina to halt the progression of abnormal vessel growth. - These interventions reduce the hypoxic drive that fuels neovascularization, thereby preventing severe retinal detachment and subsequent blindness. *Occurs in premature infants due to abnormal retinal blood vessel development.* - This statement is correct. ROP is a disease primarily affecting **premature infants** because their retinal blood vessels have not completed development by the time of birth. - Postnatal factors, including oxygen fluctuations and low birth weight, further disrupt this critical development, leading to **abnormal vascularization**.

Q: What is the primary predisposing factor for retinopathy of prematurity?

Low gestational age. ***Low gestational age*** - **Prematurity** is the most significant risk factor, as the **retinal vasculature** is still immature and susceptible to abnormal development. - The earlier the gestational age, the **higher the risk** of ROP developing and progressing to severe stages. *Low birth weight* - While strongly correlated with ROP, **low birth weight** is often a consequence of prematurity rather than the primary predisposing factor itself. - Many term infants can have low birth weight due to **intrauterine growth restriction** but do not typically develop ROP. *Oxygen toxicity* - **Supplemental oxygen** can exacerbate ROP by causing initial **vasoconstriction** and subsequent abnormal vessel proliferation. - However, it acts as a secondary trigger in an already vulnerable, premature retina, not the primary predisposing factor. *Carbohydrate excess* - **Carbohydrate excess** is not a recognized predisposing factor for retinopathy of prematurity. - This condition is primarily related to the **vascular development of the retina** in premature infants.

Q: Which of the following statements is false regarding Eale's disease?

Optic neuritis. ***Correct Answer: Optic neuritis*** - This statement is **false** because **Eale's disease** is a **peripheral retinal vasculitis** (periphlebitis) that primarily affects the **peripheral retinal veins**. - The condition does **NOT involve the optic nerve**, and **optic neuritis is NOT a recognized feature or complication** of Eale's disease. - The disease process is confined to the retinal vasculature and does not extend anteriorly to involve the optic disc or nerve in typical cases. *AKT is given* - While the exact etiology of Eale's disease remains uncertain, there is a **historical and clinical association with tuberculosis**, particularly in TB-endemic regions like India. - In clinical practice, **anti-tubercular therapy (ATT/AKT) is often empirically administered** when TB cannot be ruled out or when there is suspicion of systemic TB. - Some studies suggest ATT may help reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence in selected cases. *Vitreous Hemorrhage* - This is a **hallmark complication** of Eale's disease, particularly in stage 3 (proliferative stage). - **Recurrent vitreous hemorrhage** occurs due to rupture of fragile neovascular vessels that form in response to retinal ischemia. - It is one of the most common presentations requiring intervention. *Retinal detachment may occur* - **Tractional retinal detachment** is a recognized complication resulting from contraction of **fibrovascular proliferative membranes**. - **Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment** can also occur if vitreoretinal traction causes retinal breaks. - Both types may require surgical intervention (vitrectomy).

Q: Purtscher's retinopathy is associated with -

Head trauma. ***Head trauma*** - **Purtscher's retinopathy** is a rare occlusive microvasculopathy characterized by sudden vision loss and specific retinal findings, classically associated with **head or chest trauma**. - The condition occurs due to **fat embolization** and **leukoembolization** with complement activation, leading to occlusion of retinal precapillary arterioles. - Classic findings include **cotton wool spots**, intraretinal hemorrhages, and **Purtscher flecken** (polygonal areas of retinal whitening between the optic disc and macula). - The term "Purtscher's retinopathy" specifically refers to trauma-induced cases, while "Purtscher-like retinopathy" describes similar findings from non-traumatic causes (acute pancreatitis, fat embolism syndrome, amniotic fluid embolism). *Diabetes Mellitus* - **Diabetic retinopathy** is associated with chronic hyperglycemia causing microvascular damage, characterized by microaneurysms, dot-blot hemorrhages, hard exudates, and venous beading. - It involves gradual progressive changes over years, not acute embolic occlusion from trauma. - Advanced stages include **proliferative diabetic retinopathy** with neovascularization and diabetic macular edema. *Wilson's disease* - **Wilson's disease** is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism affecting the liver, brain, and eyes. - Ocular manifestations include **Kayser-Fleischer rings** (copper deposition in Descemet's membrane) and sunflower cataracts. - It does not cause acute retinal vascular occlusion or the specific findings of Purtscher's retinopathy. *Rheumatoid arthritis* - **Rheumatoid arthritis** is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease primarily affecting joints. - Ocular manifestations include **keratoconjunctivitis sicca** (dry eyes), **episcleritis**, **scleritis**, and peripheral ulcerative keratitis. - It is not associated with Purtscher's retinopathy, which is specifically linked to traumatic or embolic events.

Q: What is the typical appearance of a subhyaloid hemorrhage in the eye?

Boat shaped. ***Boat shaped*** - A subhyaloid hemorrhage is located beneath the **hyaloid membrane** (the posterior vitreous cortex), which is attached to the retina. - The collected blood often assumes a **dependent, gravity-influenced shape**, appearing flat on top and curved underneath, resembling a boat. *Crescent shaped* - This shape is not characteristic of a typical subhyaloid hemorrhage; it might be seen in other types of hemorrhages or detachment patterns. - **Crescentic shapes** are more commonly associated with certain types of **retinal detachments** or tears where fluid accumulation takes on a curved boundary. *Round* - While hemorrhages can be round, a subhyaloid hemorrhage typically spreads out due to gravity within the confined space, resulting in a more distinct shape. - A **perfectly round hemorrhage** is less common in the subhyaloid space as blood tends to layer out rather than remain as a sphere. *Flame shaped* - **Flame-shaped hemorrhages** are typically found in the **nerve fiber layer** due to the orientation of nerve fibers. - These hemorrhages are shallower and follow the linear arrangement of nerve fibers, unlike the larger, more globular subhyaloid bleeds.

Q: Most common age related change in vitreous?

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). ***Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)*** - As we age, the **vitreous body** undergoes liquefaction and shrinkage, leading to its separation from the **retina**, most commonly posteriorly. - This is a very common and usually benign age-related phenomenon, often presenting with **floaters** and **flashes of light**. *Anterior vitreous detachment* - **Anterior vitreous detachment** is much less common than PVD and not typically considered the most frequent age-related change. - It often occurs secondary to **trauma** or specific surgical procedures rather than spontaneous aging alone. *Vitreous hemorrhage* - **Vitreous hemorrhage** is a pathological condition involving bleeding into the vitreous humor, often due to **diabetic retinopathy**, retinal tears, or trauma. - It is not a normal age-related change but a complication of underlying disease. *Vitritis* - **Vitritis** refers to inflammation of the vitreous humor, commonly associated with **uveitis** or infections. - It is an inflammatory disease process, not a physiological age-related degeneration of the vitreous.

Q: Muscae volitantes is seen in?

Vitreous detachment. ***Vitreous detachment*** - **Muscae volitantes** (Latin for "flying flies") is the classical term for **vitreous floaters** - **Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)** is the **most common cause** of muscae volitantes - PVD occurs due to **vitreous liquefaction** and **vitreoretinal separation**, causing **collagen fibers and cellular debris** to cast shadows on the retina - These floaters are typically described as **spots, cobwebs, or threads** that move with eye movement - PVD is extremely common, particularly **after age 50-60 years**, and in **myopic patients** *Remains of primitive hyaloid vasculature* - **Hyaloid remnants** (such as **Mittendorf's dot** or **Bergmeister's papilla**) are **congenital developmental anomalies** - While these can occasionally be visible as small opacities, they are **not the classical cause** of muscae volitantes - These are typically **stationary** rather than "floating" as the term implies *Vitreous Hemorrhage* - Causes **sudden onset** of numerous floaters, often described as **"shower of red blood cells"** or dense black spots - Associated with **significant vision loss** and requires urgent evaluation - Not the benign, chronic floaters typical of muscae volitantes *Eale's disease* - **Peripheral retinal vasculitis** causing **recurrent vitreous hemorrhages** - Floaters occur secondary to **hemorrhage**, not the primary pathology of muscae volitantes - Presents with **recurrent episodes** and **vision loss**, not isolated benign floaters

Q: Which of the following statements is MOST likely false regarding optic neuritis?

Abnormal electroretinogram. ***Abnormal electroretinogram*** - Optic neuritis primarily affects the **optic nerve**, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. - The **electroretinogram (ERG)** measures the electrical activity of the **retina** in response to light, which is usually normal in optic neuritis as the retina itself is not the primary site of pathology. *Decreased pupillary reflex* - Optic neuritis often causes a **relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD)**, where the affected eye's pupil dilates instead of constricting when light is swung from the unaffected to the affected eye. - This indicates a decrease in the afferent nerve signal transmission due to damage to the optic nerve. *Decreased visual acuity* - A hallmark symptom of optic neuritis is **acute vision loss**, which can range from mild blurring to severe vision impairment. - This vision loss is typically unilateral and can progress over several days. *Abnormal visual evoked potentials (VEP)* - **VEPs** measure the electrical activity of the brain in response to visual stimuli, assessing the integrity of the optic nerve and visual pathways. - In optic neuritis, the demyelination and damage to the optic nerve cause a **slowing of nerve conduction**, leading to increased latency and reduced amplitude in VEPs.

Q: The most common type of strabismus seen in myopes is?

Intermittent Exotropia. ***Intermittent Exotropia*** - Myopes often employ less **accommodative effort** for near tasks, leading to reduced **accommodative convergence** and an increased tendency for the eyes to drift outwards. - This outward deviation, or **exotropia**, is frequently intermittent, especially during fatigue or inattention. *Intermittent Esotropia* - **Esotropia** is an inward turn of the eye and is typically associated with **hyperopia** due to excessive accommodative effort leading to increased accommodative convergence. - While it can be intermittent, it is not the most common form of strabismus in myopic individuals. *Esotropia hypotropia complex* - This complex involves both an inward deviation (**esotropia**) and a downward deviation (**hypotropia**). - It is not typically seen in healthy myopes and would suggest other underlying **neurological** or **structural abnormalities**. *Exotropia Hypotropia complex* - While **exotropia** can be common in myopes, the additional presence of **hypotropia** (downward deviation) suggests a more complex strabismic picture. - This combination is not the most frequent strabismus seen in uncomplicated myopia and may indicate **cranial nerve palsies** or **orbital anomalies**.

Question 1

A 44-year-old woman presents with sudden painless loss of vision with a history of previous similar episodes. Fundoscopy shows no glow. What could be the possible diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Vitreous Hemorrhage

Answer

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Answer

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Answer

Fungal Keratitis

Question 2

All of the following are true for retinopathy of prematurity except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

End result is bilateral blindness

Answer

Due to hypoxia there occurs neovascularization followed by fibroproliferation

Answer

Occurs in premature infants due to abnormal retinal blood vessel development.

Answer

Blindness can be prevented by early diagnosis and ablation of avascular peripheral retina with cryotherapy or photocoagulation

Question 3

What is the primary predisposing factor for retinopathy of prematurity?

Accepted Answer

Low gestational age

Answer

Oxygen toxicity

Answer

Carbohydrate excess

Answer

Low birth weight

Question 4

Which of the following statements is false regarding Eale's disease?

Accepted Answer

Optic neuritis

Answer

AKT is given

Answer

Vitreous Hemorrhage

Answer

Retinal detachment may occur

Question 5

Purtscher's retinopathy is associated with -

Accepted Answer

Head trauma

Answer

Diabetes Mellitus

Answer

Wilson's disease

Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 6

What is the typical appearance of a subhyaloid hemorrhage in the eye?

Accepted Answer

Boat shaped

Answer

Crescent shaped

Answer

Round

Answer

Flame shaped

Question 7

Most common age related change in vitreous?

Accepted Answer

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)

Answer

Anterior vitreous detachment

Answer

Vitreous hemorrhage

Answer

Vitritis

Question 8

Muscae volitantes is seen in?

Accepted Answer

Vitreous detachment

Answer

Vitreous Hemorrhage

Answer

Remains of primitive hyaloid vasculature

Answer

Eale's disease

Question 9

Which of the following statements is MOST likely false regarding optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal electroretinogram

Answer

Decreased pupillary reflex

Answer

Decreased visual acuity

Answer

Abnormal visual evoked potentials (VEP)

Question 10

The most common type of strabismus seen in myopes is?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent Exotropia

Answer

Intermittent Esotropia

Answer

Esotropia Hypotropia complex

Answer

Exotropia Hypotropia complex

NEET-PG 2015 — Ophthalmology