Diseases of the Conjunctiva — MCQs

Diseases of the Conjunctiva Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 271: All of the following are causes of acute red eye EXCEPT:

A. Conjunctivitis
B. Acute glaucoma
C. Keratitis
D. Acute macular oedema (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Acute macular oedema*** - **Macular edema** primarily affects **central vision** and does not typically cause the visible **redness** associated with acute inflammation of the ocular surface or anterior segment. - It involves **fluid accumulation** in the **macula** (the central part of the retina), which is a posterior segment issue and does not present as a red eye. *Conjunctivitis* - **Inflammation** of the **conjunctiva** (the membrane lining the eyelid and sclera) commonly leads to **vasodilatation** and **redness** of the eye. - Often accompanied by **discharge**, **itching**, or a **gritty sensation**. *Acute glaucoma* - An acute rise in **intraocular pressure** (IOP) can cause significant eye **redness** due to **conjunctival injection** and **ciliary flush**. - Other symptoms include **severe eye pain**, **blurred vision**, and **halos around lights**. *Keratitis* - **Inflammation** of the **cornea** typically results in marked **redness**, often with a **ciliary flush** (perilimbal injection) due to perilimbal vascular engorgement. - Associated with **eye pain**, **photophobia**, and potential **vision loss**.

Question 272: Which of the following is true about pterygium?

A. Fatty deposition of sclera
B. Conjunctival invasion making a flap over cornea (Correct Answer)
C. Inflammation of cornea
D. Dead epithelial debris accumulation

Explanation: ***Conjunctival invasion making a flap over cornea*** - A **pterygium** is characterized by the growth of **fibrovascular tissue** from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. - This growth typically forms a **triangular flap**, with its apex extending towards the center of the corneal surface. *Fatty deposition of sclera* - This description is more indicative of **pinguecula**, which is a **yellowish, fatty deposit** on the conjunctiva, usually on the nasal side, but it does not invade the cornea. - Unlike pterygium, a **pinguecula** remains confined to the conjunctiva and does not grow across the limbus onto the cornea. *Inflammation of cornea* - While a pterygium can sometimes cause irritation or inflammation, its primary characteristic is a **degenerative growth of tissue**, not primarily an inflammatory condition of the cornea itself. - **Keratitis** refers to inflammation of the cornea, which can have various causes, but it is not the defining feature of pterygium. *Dead epithelial debris accumulation* - The accumulation of dead epithelial debris is not the principal histological feature of a pterygium. - Pterygium involves **hyperplasia of conjunctival epithelium** and **subepithelial fibrovascular tissue growth**, not merely dead cell accumulation.

Question 273: NOT a feature of trachoma:

A. Entropion
B. Corneal opacity
C. Chalazion (Correct Answer)
D. Herbert's pits

Explanation: ***Chalazion*** - A **chalazion** is a **lipogranulomatous inflammation** of a **meibomian gland** and is not directly caused by *Chlamydia trachomatis* infection, though chronic inflammation could theoretically predispose to it. - While chronic inflammation of the eyelids in trachoma can cause various complications, a chalazion is a distinct condition related to meibomian gland dysfunction and is not a direct, defining feature of trachoma. *Entropion* - **Entropion**, the **inward turning of the eyelid margin**, is a severe late complication of trachoma caused by conjunctival scarring and contraction. - This inward turning leads to **trichiasis** (**misdirected eyelashes**), which abrades the cornea. *Corneal opacity* - **Corneal opacity** is a common and serious consequence of chronic trachoma, resulting from repeated **corneal abrasions** by misdirected eyelashes (trichiasis) and chronic inflammation. - This scarring can lead to **severe vision impairment** and **blindness**. *Herbert's pits* - **Herbert's pits** are characteristic depressions on the **limbus** (corneoscleral junction) formed after the resolution of **limbal follicles** in chronic trachoma. - They are a diagnostic sign of past or present trachomatous infection.

Question 274: What is the causative agent of angular conjunctivitis?

A. Moraxella lacunata (Correct Answer)
B. Gonococcus
C. Moraxella catarrhalis
D. Meningococcus

Explanation: ***Moraxella Lacunata*** - **_Moraxella lacunata_** is well-known as the primary cause of **angular conjunctivitis**, characterized by inflammation and maceration of the skin at the outer canthus of the eye. - This bacterium produces **proteolytic enzymes** that contribute to the tissue damage seen in the corners of the eye. *Gonococcus* - **_Neisseria gonorrhoeae_** typically causes **hyperacute purulent conjunctivitis**, often with severe discharge and rapid onset. - It is not commonly associated with angular conjunctivitis. *Moraxella catarrhalis* - **_Moraxella catarrhalis_** is a common cause of **otitis media** and **bronchitis**, and sometimes conjunctivitis, but it does not specifically cause angular conjunctivitis. - While a Moraxella species, it lacks the specific enzymes that cause the characteristic angular lesion. *Meningococcus* - **_Neisseria meningitidis_** can cause **meningitis** and, less commonly, severe **conjunctivitis**, which is usually purulent and acute. - It is rarely implicated in cases of angular conjunctivitis.

Question 275: Treatment of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum does not include:

A. Topical bacitracin
B. IV bacitracin (Correct Answer)
C. Ceftriaxone IM
D. Topical atropine

Explanation: ***IV bacitracin*** - **Bacitracin is NEVER administered intravenously** due to significant nephrotoxicity risk. - It has **no role** in the treatment of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum, neither systemically nor as standard topical therapy. - This is the **correct answer** to what is NOT included in treatment. *Topical bacitracin* - While topical bacitracin **can be used as adjunct therapy** in neonatal conjunctivitis, it is not the primary or preferred topical agent. - Standard topical therapy typically uses **erythromycin or tetracycline ointment** rather than bacitracin. - However, it may still be employed in some treatment protocols, making it part of potential treatment options. *Ceftriaxone IM* - **Ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg IM (maximum 125 mg) as a single dose** is the **first-line systemic treatment** for gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. - This provides adequate bactericidal levels against *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* and prevents complications including corneal perforation and systemic dissemination. - This is **definitely included** in standard treatment protocols. *Topical atropine* - **Atropine** is a cycloplegic agent with **no antibacterial activity**. - It is NOT part of the standard treatment protocol for gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. - While it might be considered if severe iritis develops as a complication, it is not a routine component of treatment.

Question 276: Regarding Chlamydia infection of the eyes, true statements include the following except:

A. Penicillin is the treatment (Correct Answer)
B. Inclusion conjunctivitis is an acute ocular infection caused by sexually transmitted C. trachomatis strains (usually serovars D through K)
C. Can be cultured
D. Acute inclusion conjunctivitis typically presents with mucopurulent discharge

Explanation: ***Penicillin is the treatment*** - **Penicillin** is ineffective against *Chlamydia trachomatis* because *Chlamydia* lacks a **peptidoglycan cell wall**, which is the target of penicillin. - The standard treatment for chlamydial infections, including ocular infections, involves **azithromycin** or **doxycycline**. *Inclusion conjunctivitis is an acute ocular infection caused by sexually transmitted C. trachomatis strains (usually serovars D through K)* - **Inclusion conjunctivitis** is indeed caused by sexually transmitted serovars of *Chlamydia trachomatis* (typically **D through K**). - It usually occurs in sexually active adults and can affect neonates through maternal transmission. *Can be cultured* - *Chlamydia* are **obligate intracellular bacteria**, meaning they can only replicate inside host cells. - While they can be grown in cell cultures, this is a specialized technique and not a typical method for routine diagnosis due to its complexity and time-consuming nature. *Acute inclusion conjunctivitis typically presents with mucopurulent discharge* - **Acute inclusion conjunctivitis** is characterized by a **mucopurulent discharge**, along with **follicular conjunctivitis** and sometimes **preauricular lymphadenopathy**. - This discharge results from the inflammatory response to the chlamydial infection in the conjunctiva.

Question 277: Not a feature of ligneous conjunctivitis:

A. Wood-like membranes
B. Plasminogen deficiency
C. Bacterial origin (Correct Answer)
D. Recurrent nature

Explanation: ***Bacterial origin*** - Ligneous conjunctivitis is a rare genetic disorder caused by a **plasminogen deficiency**, not a bacterial infection. - The membranes are formed by the deposition of **fibrin** due to impaired fibrinolysis. *Wood-like membranes* - This is a hallmark feature of ligneous conjunctivitis, describing the **firm, thick, and confluent pseudomembranes** that develop on the conjunctiva. - These membranes are due to excessive **fibrin deposition** that cannot be effectively cleared. *Plasminogen deficiency* - Ligneous conjunctivitis is associated with a **genetic defect in plasminogen**, an enzyme crucial for fibrinolysis. - The deficiency leads to the impaired breakdown of fibrin, resulting in the characteristic membranes. *Recurrent nature* - The disease is known for its **recurrent formation of membranes**, even after surgical removal. - This recurrence is due to the underlying persistent **plasminogen deficiency**.

Question 278: A 25-year-old male presents with recurrent bilateral conjunctival hyperemia and a gritty sensation. Likely diagnosis?

A. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (Correct Answer)
B. Herpes keratitis
C. Episcleritis
D. Bacterial conjunctivitis

Explanation: ***Vernal keratoconjunctivitis*** * This is the correct diagnosis as it perfectly matches the clinical presentation: **young male patient** (VKC has male predominance, especially in adolescents/young adults), **recurrent course** (VKC is a chronic allergic condition with seasonal exacerbations), and **bilateral involvement** with gritty sensation. * VKC is a **severe form of allergic conjunctivitis** characterized by **bilateral conjunctival hyperemia**, intense itching, gritty sensation, photophobia, and mucoid discharge. The recurrent bilateral nature in a young male is pathognomonic. *Herpes keratitis* * Usually presents as **unilateral eye pain**, redness, and a characteristic **dendritic ulcer** on the cornea (seen with fluorescein staining), which is not described here. * Caused by herpes simplex virus and typically has an acute presentation rather than recurrent bilateral conjunctival symptoms. Can lead to significant vision loss if untreated. *Episcleritis* * Characterized by **localized sectorial redness** in one eye, often in a radial pattern, and is usually **mild and self-limiting**. * Typically causes minimal discomfort and does not commonly present with gritty sensation or recurrent bilateral involvement as the primary feature. *Bacterial conjunctivitis* * Typically presents with **purulent discharge** (thick yellow-green pus) and matting of eyelids, which is not mentioned in this patient's symptoms. * While it causes redness and grittiness, it's usually **acute and unilateral or sequential bilateral** (one eye then the other), and resolves with topical antibiotics within days, unlike the recurrent chronic nature described here.

Question 279: Which of the following findings is typically NOT seen in a patient with allergic conjunctivitis?

A. Watery discharge
B. Itching
C. Bilateral eye redness
D. Purulent discharge (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Purulent discharge*** - **Purulent discharge** (thick, yellowish, or greenish) is characteristic of **bacterial conjunctivitis** and is usually absent in allergic conjunctivitis. - Allergic conjunctivitis typically presents with a **clear or watery discharge**. *Watery discharge* - **Watery discharge** is a very common symptom of **allergic conjunctivitis**, often accompanied by itching and redness. - It results from the inflammatory response and increased lacrimation due to allergen exposure. *Itching* - **Ocular itching** is the hallmark symptom of allergic conjunctivitis and is considered its most distinctive feature. - It is caused by the release of **histamine** and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells in response to allergens. *Bilateral eye redness* - **Bilateral conjunctival redness** (hyperemia) is a frequent finding in allergic conjunctivitis. - This is due to **vasodilation** in response to the inflammatory process affecting both eyes, as airborne allergens often affect both simultaneously.

Question 280: Which medication is commonly used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis?

A. Moxifloxacin (Correct Answer)
B. Acyclovir
C. Prednisolone
D. Timolol

Explanation: ***Moxifloxacin*** - **Moxifloxacin** is a **fourth-generation fluoroquinolone** antibiotic, effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including common conjunctivitis pathogens. - It is often prescribed as **ophthalmic drops** for bacterial conjunctivitis due to its good penetration and efficacy. *Acyclovir* - **Acyclovir** is an **antiviral agent** primarily used to treat infections caused by the **herpes simplex virus (HSV)** and **varicella-zoster virus (VZV)**, not bacteria. - It would be indicated for **herpetic keratitis** or **zoster ophthalmicus**, not bacterial conjunctivitis. *Prednisolone* - **Prednisolone** is a **corticosteroid** used to reduce inflammation; it does not have antibacterial properties. - While it can alleviate inflammation, using it alone for bacterial conjunctivitis can worsen the infection by suppressing the immune response. *Timolol* - **Timolol** is a **beta-blocker** primarily used to treat **glaucoma** by reducing intraocular pressure. - It has no role in treating infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis.

Practice by Chapter

Conjunctivitis: Bacterial

Practice Questions

Conjunctivitis: Viral

Practice Questions

Conjunctivitis: Allergic

Practice Questions

Conjunctivitis: Chronic

Practice Questions

Degenerations of Conjunctiva

Practice Questions

Benign Tumors of Conjunctiva

Practice Questions

Malignant Tumors of Conjunctiva

Practice Questions

Conjunctival Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

Practice Questions

Cicatricial Conjunctival Disorders

Practice Questions

Pterygium and Pinguecula

Practice Questions

Conjunctival Trauma

Practice Questions

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Practice Questions

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