UPSC-CMS 2023 — Ophthalmology

Q: In patients with systemic hypertension, the characteristic haemorrhage seen on ophthalmoscopy is

Flame-shaped haemorrhage. ***Flame-shaped haemorrhage*** - **Flame-shaped hemorrhages** are superficial, linear hemorrhages occurring in the **nerve fiber layer** of the retina, characteristic of **hypertensive retinopathy**. - They result from the rupture of superficial capillaries due to **elevated intravascular pressure** in systemic hypertension. *Wet sponge haemorrhage* - This term is not a standard description for retinal hemorrhage types. - Retinal hemorrhages are typically categorized by their shape and depth, such as dot-and-blot, flame-shaped, or subretinal. *Suprachoroidal haemorrhage* - **Suprachoroidal hemorrhages** occur between the choroid and the sclera, often due to trauma or surgical complications. - They are much deeper than retinal hemorrhages and are typically not a direct, primary manifestation of chronic systemic hypertension on routine ophthalmoscopy. *Dot haemorrhage* - **Dot haemorrhages** are deep, punctate hemorrhages occurring in the **inner nuclear** or **outer plexiform layers** of the retina. - While they can be seen in various conditions including diabetic retinopathy, they are not the most characteristic type of hemorrhage seen specifically in systemic hypertension. [Practice more Ophthalmology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Spring catarrh is a type of conjunctivitis caused by

Exogenous allergen. ***Exogenous allergen*** - **Spring catarrh**, also known as **vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)**, is exclusively a type of allergic conjunctivitis. - It is triggered by exposure to **environmental allergens**, commonly identified as dust, pollen, or other airborne irritants, especially during warmer seasons. *Virus infection* - Viral conjunctivitis, such as that caused by **adenovirus**, often presents with watery discharge, redness, and may be associated with an upper respiratory tract infection. - Unlike spring catarrh, it is highly **contagious** and does not typically recur seasonally due to allergen exposure. *Endogenous toxins* - Ocular conditions caused by endogenous toxins are rare and usually associated with systemic diseases or metabolic disorders affecting body system, not typically a primary cause of conjunctivitis. - This category does not align with the clear allergic and seasonal presentation characteristic of spring catarrh. *Bacterial infection* - Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by purulent (pus-like) discharge, severe redness, and often involves one eye initially (though can spread to both). - It is treated with antibiotics and does not typically exhibit the seasonal recurrence or papillary hypertrophy on the tarsal conjunctiva seen in spring catarrh. [Practice more Ophthalmology PYQs on OnCourse]

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In patients with systemic hypertension, the characteristic haemorrhage seen on ophthalmoscopy is

Spring catarrh is a type of conjunctivitis caused by

UPSC-CMS 2023 - Ophthalmology UPSC-CMS Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: In patients with systemic hypertension, the characteristic haemorrhage seen on ophthalmoscopy is

A. Flame-shaped haemorrhage (Correct Answer)
B. Wet sponge haemorrhage
C. Suprachoroidal haemorrhage
D. Dot haemorrhage

Explanation: ***Flame-shaped haemorrhage*** - **Flame-shaped hemorrhages** are superficial, linear hemorrhages occurring in the **nerve fiber layer** of the retina, characteristic of **hypertensive retinopathy**. - They result from the rupture of superficial capillaries due to **elevated intravascular pressure** in systemic hypertension. *Wet sponge haemorrhage* - This term is not a standard description for retinal hemorrhage types. - Retinal hemorrhages are typically categorized by their shape and depth, such as dot-and-blot, flame-shaped, or subretinal. *Suprachoroidal haemorrhage* - **Suprachoroidal hemorrhages** occur between the choroid and the sclera, often due to trauma or surgical complications. - They are much deeper than retinal hemorrhages and are typically not a direct, primary manifestation of chronic systemic hypertension on routine ophthalmoscopy. *Dot haemorrhage* - **Dot haemorrhages** are deep, punctate hemorrhages occurring in the **inner nuclear** or **outer plexiform layers** of the retina. - While they can be seen in various conditions including diabetic retinopathy, they are not the most characteristic type of hemorrhage seen specifically in systemic hypertension.

Question 2: Spring catarrh is a type of conjunctivitis caused by

A. Virus infection
B. Endogenous toxins
C. Bacterial infection
D. Exogenous allergen (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Exogenous allergen*** - **Spring catarrh**, also known as **vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)**, is exclusively a type of allergic conjunctivitis. - It is triggered by exposure to **environmental allergens**, commonly identified as dust, pollen, or other airborne irritants, especially during warmer seasons. *Virus infection* - Viral conjunctivitis, such as that caused by **adenovirus**, often presents with watery discharge, redness, and may be associated with an upper respiratory tract infection. - Unlike spring catarrh, it is highly **contagious** and does not typically recur seasonally due to allergen exposure. *Endogenous toxins* - Ocular conditions caused by endogenous toxins are rare and usually associated with systemic diseases or metabolic disorders affecting body system, not typically a primary cause of conjunctivitis. - This category does not align with the clear allergic and seasonal presentation characteristic of spring catarrh. *Bacterial infection* - Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by purulent (pus-like) discharge, severe redness, and often involves one eye initially (though can spread to both). - It is treated with antibiotics and does not typically exhibit the seasonal recurrence or papillary hypertrophy on the tarsal conjunctiva seen in spring catarrh.