Question 1: 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?
- A. 1, 3 and 4
- B. 1, 2 and 3
- C. 2, 3 and 4
- D. 1, 2 and 4 (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***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.