Diseases of the Retina Practice Questions

Q: What is the power of lens attached to this instrument to visualize the entire retina?

20 D. ***20 D*** - The image depicts a **binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO)**, which is used for wide-field examination of the retina. - The **20 D lens** is the **most commonly used condensing lens** with a BIO for visualizing the entire retina. - It provides the **widest field of view** (approximately 45-50 degrees) with adequate magnification, making it ideal for comprehensive peripheral retinal examination. - Other standard BIO lenses include 14 D, 28 D, and 30 D, but **20 D offers the optimal balance** of field of view and magnification for complete retinal visualization. *58 D* - A **58 D lens** is not a standard condensing lens used with binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. - While high-power lenses can be used with various ophthalmoscopic techniques, they are not conventional for BIO examination of the entire retina. *78 D* - A **78 D lens** is typically used with a **slit lamp biomicroscope** for a magnified view of the posterior pole and macular details. - It does not provide the wide-field view necessary for visualizing the **entire retina** when used with a BIO. - This lens is excellent for detailed examination of the optic disc and macula but has a limited field of view. *90 D* - A **90 D lens** is also primarily used with a **slit lamp biomicroscope** for excellent magnification of the macula and optic nerve head. - It provides a high-resolution, magnified view of a *limited area*, making it unsuitable for a comprehensive survey of the entire retina. - Like the 78 D, it's designed for detailed central retinal examination, not peripheral screening.

Q: A 25-year-old young male presented with complaints of diminished vision in the right eye. On examination vision in left eye is 6/6 and right eye is 6/18. Shown are the FFA and optical coherence topography of the patient. The pathology lies in which layer of retina?

Retinal pigment epithelium. ***Retinal pigment epithelium*** - The FFA image shows a "hot spot" of hyperfluorescence, and the OCT image reveals an **irregularity and detachment of the RPE** with overlying subretinal fluid, characteristic of central serous chorioretinopathy. - The primary pathology in **central serous chorioretinopathy** is a dysfunction or defect in the RPE barrier, leading to fluid leakage from the choroidal vasculature into the subretinal space. *Neurosensory retina* - The neurosensory retina itself is detached due to fluid accumulation, but its primary structure appears generally intact without intrinsic pathology like retinal tears or degeneration. - While there is **subretinal fluid** (between the neurosensory retina and the RPE), the underlying cause is typically an RPE defect, not a primary neurosensory retinal pathology. *Outer nuclear layer* - This layer contains the cell bodies of photoreceptors and is typically involved in degenerations like retinitis pigmentosa, which would present differently on imaging. - There is no specific evidence in the provided OCT of primary pathology directly affecting the integrity or structure of the **outer nuclear layer**. *Inner nuclear layer* - This layer contains cell bodies of bipolar, horizontal, and amacrine cells and is typically involved in pathologies affecting these retinal interneurons. - The images do not show specific changes or damage to the **inner nuclear layer**, such as edema or thinning, that would suggest it as the primary site of pathology.

Q: Identify the FFA picture:

NPDR. ***NPDR*** - The image shows areas of **capillary non-perfusion** (dark areas without visible blood flow) and **microaneurysms** (small bright dots due to damaged capillaries). These are characteristic findings of **Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)** on fluorescein angiography. - There is no evidence of neovascularization, which is the hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. *PDR* - **Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)** is characterized by the presence of **neovascularization** (new, abnormal blood vessel growth) on the retina or optic disc. - This image does not show any signs of neovascularization, which would appear as brightly fluorescing, tangled vessels. *Familial dominant drusen* - **Familial dominant drusen** are typically seen as yellow-white deposits under the retinal pigment epithelium and would manifest on FFA as **hyperfluorescent spots**, but usually with a different distribution and appearance than the microaneurysms seen here. - This image reflects widespread microvascular damage consistent with a retinal vascular disease, not primarily drusen. *Birdshot choroidopathy* - **Birdshot choroidopathy** is a chronic, bilateral posterior uveitis characterized by multiple, depigmented choroidal lesions (birdshot lesions). - On FFA, these lesions would typically show **hypofluorescence** in the early phases due to blocked choroidal fluorescence and possible late staining, which is not depicted in this image.

Q: Consider the following causes of visual loss : 1. Obstruction of the central retinal artery 2. Vitreous and retinal haemorrhage 3. Cataract 4. Retinal detachment Which of the above causes are associated with acute visual loss in a patient?

1, 2 and 4. ***1, 2 and 4*** - **Obstruction of the central retinal artery**, **vitreous and retinal haemorrhage**, and **retinal detachment** all present as sudden, acute vision loss. - **Central retinal artery occlusion** causes complete, sudden, painless monocular vision loss. **Vitreous hemorrhage** is acute, painless, and can present with floaters or red haze. **Retinal detachment** is acute, painless vision loss, often preceded by flashes and floaters, and can present as a "curtain" coming across the vision. *1, 3 and 4* - While **central retinal artery obstruction** and **retinal detachment** cause acute vision loss, **cataracts** typically cause gradual, progressive vision loss over months to years. - Cataracts primarily affect lens clarity, leading to blurry vision, glare, and dull colors rather than an abrupt onset of blindness. *1, 2 and 3* - **Central retinal artery obstruction** and **vitreous/retinal hemorrhage** lead to acute vision loss, but **cataracts** are a cause of *chronic* and *gradual* vision impairment. - The onset and progression of a **cataract** are distinctly different from the sudden nature of acute vision loss conditions. *2, 3 and 4* - **Vitreous and retinal haemorrhage** and **retinal detachment** are causes of acute vision loss, but a **cataract** is not. - The defining characteristic of acute vision loss is its rapid onset, which does not align with the slow development of a cataract.

Q: The most typical clinical presentation of a retinoblastoma is

White reflex in pupil. ***White reflex in pupil*** - The most typical clinical presentation of retinoblastoma is **leukocoria**, or a **white reflex in the pupil**, which occurs when the tumor reflects light. - This symptom is often noticed by parents in photographs (the "cat's eye reflex") or during routine examinations. *Severe pain in the eye* - While retinoblastoma can cause pain in advanced stages, especially with increased **intraocular pressure** or inflammation, it is not the initial or most typical presenting symptom. - **Early retinoblastoma** is usually asymptomatic in terms of pain. *Loss of vision* - Vision loss can occur with retinoblastoma, particularly if the tumor affects the **macula** or becomes large, but it is often detected later than leukocoria. - Young children may not be able to articulate **vision changes**, making leukocoria a more apparent early sign. *Proptosis* - **Proptosis (bulging of the eye)** is an advanced sign of retinoblastoma, indicating significant tumor growth and extension beyond the globe. - It suggests **orbital involvement**, which is characteristic of more aggressive or late-stage disease rather than an initial presentation.

Q: While working in a primary health centre, an elderly patient presents with a history of sudden loss of vision and curtain falling sensation in one eye. This symptom is highly suggestive that the patient has the following condition:

Retinal detachment. ***Retinal detachment*** - The classic description of **sudden loss of vision** accompanied by a **"curtain falling" sensation** is highly characteristic of **rhegmatogenous retinal detachment**. - This occurs when the **neurosensory retina** separates from the **retinal pigment epithelium**, often leading to a **progressive visual field defect** as the detachment spreads. - This is an **ophthalmic emergency** requiring urgent referral for surgical intervention. *Vitreous haemorrhage* - A **vitreous haemorrhage** typically causes sudden, painless decrease in vision, often described as **floaters**, cobwebs, or a diffuse haze. - While it can impair vision significantly, it does not usually present with the specific "curtain falling" sensation that indicates a progressive visual field loss from the periphery. *Acute onset ptosis* - **Ptosis** refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid and directly affects the field of vision by physically obstructing the eye. - While it causes a reduction in the visual field, it is a physical obstruction and not typically described as a "curtain falling" sensation within the eye itself. *Intracranial haemorrhage* - An **intracranial haemorrhage** can cause various neurological deficits, including visual disturbances like **hemianopia** or **homonymous defects**, depending on the location of the bleed. - However, sudden unilateral vision loss with a "curtain falling" sensation localized to one eye is not a typical direct initial presentation, which would suggest an ocular rather than a neurological cause.

Q: In diabetes mellitus the following findings are seen in ophthalmoscopy except:

Wet sponge haemorrhage. ***Wet sponge haemorrhage*** - **Wet sponge haemorrhage** is not a term typically used in the description of diabetic retinopathy or other retinal conditions found during ophthalmoscopy. - The appearance it suggests (diffuse, sponge-like bleeding) does not correlate with the characteristic hemorrhage types seen in diabetic retinopathy. - This is **not a recognized ophthalmologic finding** in diabetes mellitus. *Flame shaped haemorrhage* - **Flame-shaped haemorrhages** are superficial retinal hemorrhages in the nerve fiber layer, commonly seen in diabetic retinopathy as well as hypertensive retinopathy. - Their characteristic shape reflects the arrangement of nerve fibers in the retina. - These are seen in both non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. *Dot haemorrhage* - **Dot haemorrhages** are small, round hemorrhages located deeper in the retina (inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers). - These are a common early finding in diabetic retinopathy, often representing microaneurysms that have ruptured or deep intraretinal hemorrhages. - They indicate damage to retinal capillaries. *Microaneurysm* - **Microaneurysms** are the earliest and most characteristic clinical sign of diabetic retinopathy, appearing as small, red dots on the retina. - They represent focal outpouchings of retinal capillaries due to weakened vessel walls and pericyte loss. - Best visualized with fluorescein angiography but visible on ophthalmoscopy.

Q: A patient presents with sudden painful diminution of vision, difficulty looking in light (photophobia), and circumcorneal congestion with hypopyon. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Acute anterior uveitis. ***Acute anterior uveitis*** - The constellation of **sudden painful diminution of vision**, **photophobia**, **circumcorneal congestion**, and **hypopyon** (pus in the anterior chamber, visible as a whitish fluid level in the image) is highly characteristic of acute anterior uveitis. - This condition involves inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, leading to these severe symptoms and signs. *Acute conjunctivitis* - Characterized by **redness**, **itching**, and **discharge**, but typically lacks significant pain, photophobia, or vision loss. - Hypopyon is not a feature of acute conjunctivitis; the congestion is diffuse and not pericorneal. *Episcleritis* - Presents with **localized redness** and mild discomfort, but generally without pain, photophobia, or vision changes. - Episcleritis does not typically involve the anterior chamber with hypopyon. *Acute congestive glaucoma* - Involves severe eye pain, blurred vision, ciliary congestion, and often a **fixed, mid-dilated pupil** due to acutely elevated intraocular pressure. - While it shares some symptoms like pain, photophobia, and blurred vision, **hypopyon is not a typical finding** in acute congestive glaucoma, which differentiates it from uveitis.

Q: A patient presented with gradual loss in night vision and peripheral vision. Based on the fundoscopic image provided, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Retinitis pigmentosa. ***Retinitis pigmentosa*** - The fundoscopic image exhibits **bone spicule-like pigment deposits** in the periphery, **attenuation of retinal vessels**, and a **waxy pallor of the optic disc**, which are characteristic signs of retinitis pigmentosa. The clinical presentation of gradual loss in **night vision (nyctalopia)** and **peripheral vision** (tunnel vision) is classic for this inherited retinal dystrophy, as it primarily affects the **rod photoreceptors** first. *Retinal hemorrhage* - Retinal hemorrhages appear as **red blotches or streaks** on the fundus and are usually associated with conditions like **hypertension**, **diabetes**, or **retinal vein occlusion**. This image does not show acute red hemorrhages, but rather **dark, aggregated pigment**, and the symptoms do not align with sudden vision changes often seen in acute hemorrhages. *Fundus albipunctatus* - This condition is characterized by numerous **small, discrete, white or yellowish dots** scattered throughout the retina, usually sparing the macula. While it can cause night blindness, the fundoscopic image here shows **bone spicule pigmentation** and **vascular attenuation**, not the widespread white dots typical of fundus albipunctatus. *Fundus flavimaculatus* - This refers to Stargardt disease or fundus flavimaculatus, which presents with **yellowish flecks** (pisiform or fish-tail shaped) scattered in the posterior pole and mid-periphery, along with **macular degeneration**. The image does not show these distinct yellow flecks or evident macular changes, and the pigmentary changes are more consistent with retinitis pigmentosa.

Q: An elderly woman presented with gradual painless diminution of vision. The fundus picture is shown below. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). ***Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)*** - The image displays characteristic findings of CRVO, including **widespread retinal hemorrhages**, **dilated and tortuous retinal veins**, and **cotton wool spots**. - The presence of **macular edema** (indicated by the bright, somewhat circular lesion near the center with surrounding exudates) also points to CRVO, which causes gradual, painless vision loss. *Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)* - CRAO typically presents with sudden, profound, and painless vision loss, and the classic fundoscopic finding is a **cherry-red spot** in the macula with diffuse retinal whitening due to ischemia. - The image does not show these features; instead, it shows significant hemorrhages and dilated veins, which are inconsistent with CRAO. *Hypertensive Retinopathy* - Hypertensive retinopathy might show **arteriolar narrowing**, **AV nipping**, **cotton wool spots**, and sometimes hemorrhages, but the widespread, severe hemorrhages and marked venous dilation seen here are much more typical of CRVO. - While it can cause vision changes, the pattern of ocular findings is less severe and more chronic compared to the acute presentation of CRVO. *Diabetic Retinopathy* - Diabetic retinopathy can involve dot-blot hemorrhages, microaneurysms, hard exudates, and sometimes cotton wool spots, but the extensive, diffuse retinal hemorrhages in all four quadrants, along with the severely dilated and tortuous veins shown, are not the primary distinguishing features of typical diabetic retinopathy stages. - While **proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)** can involve hemorrhages, the pattern in the image strongly suggests a vascular occlusion rather than the progressive microvascular damage of diabetes.

Question 1

What is the power of lens attached to this instrument to visualize the entire retina?

Accepted Answer

20 D

Answer

58 D

Answer

78 D

Answer

90 D

Question 2

A 25-year-old young male presented with complaints of diminished vision in the right eye. On examination vision in left eye is 6/6 and right eye is 6/18. Shown are the FFA and optical coherence topography of the patient. The pathology lies in which layer of retina?

Accepted Answer

Retinal pigment epithelium

Answer

Neurosensory retina

Answer

Outer nuclear layer

Answer

Inner nuclear layer

Question 3

Identify the FFA picture:

Accepted Answer

NPDR

Answer

PDR

Answer

Familial dominant drusen

Answer

Birdshot choroidopathy

Question 4

Consider the following causes of visual loss :

1. Obstruction of the central retinal artery
2. Vitreous and retinal haemorrhage
3. Cataract
4. Retinal detachment Which of the above causes are associated with acute visual loss in a patient?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 4

Answer

1, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

2, 3 and 4

Question 5

The most typical clinical presentation of a retinoblastoma is

Accepted Answer

White reflex in pupil

Answer

Severe pain in the eye

Answer

Loss of vision

Answer

Proptosis

Question 6

While working in a primary health centre, an elderly patient presents with a history of sudden loss of vision and curtain falling sensation in one eye. This symptom is highly suggestive that the patient has the following condition:

Accepted Answer

Retinal detachment

Answer

Vitreous haemorrhage

Answer

Acute onset ptosis

Answer

Intracranial haemorrhage

Question 7

In diabetes mellitus the following findings are seen in ophthalmoscopy except:

Accepted Answer

Wet sponge haemorrhage

Answer

Flame shaped haemorrhage

Answer

Dot haemorrhage

Answer

Microaneurysm

Question 8

A patient presents with sudden painful diminution of vision, difficulty looking in light (photophobia), and circumcorneal congestion with hypopyon. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Acute anterior uveitis

Answer

Acute conjunctivitis

Answer

Episcleritis

Answer

Acute congestive glaucoma

Question 9

A patient presented with gradual loss in night vision and peripheral vision. Based on the fundoscopic image provided, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Retinitis pigmentosa

Answer

Retinal hemorrhage

Answer

Fundus albipunctatus

Answer

Fundus flavimaculatus

Question 10

An elderly woman presented with gradual painless diminution of vision. The fundus picture is shown below. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

Answer

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

Answer

Hypertensive Retinopathy

Answer

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diseases of the Retina — MCQs

Diseases of the Retina — MCQs

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