Diseases of the Sclera — MCQs

Diseases of the Sclera Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 41: A 22-year-old Air-force test pilot presents after flying a sortie. He reports no pain or vision changes. Eye examination reveals a localized red patch on the sclera. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Hyphema
B. Subconjunctival hemorrhage (Correct Answer)
C. Keratitis
D. Allergic conjunctivitis

Explanation: ***Subconjunctival hemorrhage*** - A **localized red patch on the sclera** with no pain or vision changes, especially after activities that can increase venous pressure (like flying a sortie or straining), is characteristic of a **subconjunctival hemorrhage**. - It results from the rupture of small blood vessels beneath the conjunctiva, causing blood to pool. *Hyphema* - This involves blood in the **anterior chamber of the eye**, usually visible as a fluid level and often causing pain or blurred vision. - It typically results from **trauma** and is not described as a localized red patch on the sclera. *Keratitis* - **Keratitis** is inflammation of the cornea, causing pain, redness, photophobia, and often blurred vision. - The patient has no pain or vision changes, and the presentation is a localized scleral patch, not diffuse corneal involvement. *Allergic conjunctivitis* - Presents with **redness**, itching, tearing, and often bilateral involvement, sometimes with discharge. - The description of a solitary, localized red patch without other allergic symptoms makes this diagnosis unlikely.

Question 42: Most reliable sign of posterior scleritis is:

A. Disc edema
B. Choroidal folds
C. Exudative detachment
D. T-sign on ultrasound (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***T-sign on ultrasound*** - The **T-sign** on B-scan ultrasound is considered the most reliable diagnostic sign of **posterior scleritis**. - It represents accumulation of **fluid in Tenon's capsule** and is highly specific for the condition. *Disc edema* - While **disc edema** can be a clinical finding in posterior scleritis due to inflammation, it is not specific and can be caused by various other conditions, such as **optic neuritis** or papilledema. - It is not as pathognomonic as the T-sign on ultrasound for confirming the diagnosis. *Choroidal folds* - **Choroidal folds** can occur in posterior scleritis due to scleral inflammation and thickening, which can indent the choroid. - However, choroidal folds can also be seen in other conditions like **orbital tumors** or **hypotony**, making them a less specific indicator. *Exudative detachment* - An **exudative retinal detachment** can occur in severe cases of posterior scleritis due to inflammation and fluid leakage from the inflamed choroid into the subretinal space. - This is a serious complication and a sign of advanced disease, but not the earliest or most reliable diagnostic sign for the condition itself, as it can also be seen in other inflammatory or vascular conditions.

Question 43: A patient with rheumatoid arthritis presents with severe ocular pain and redness. Examination reveals scleral thinning and areas of necrosis without significant inflammation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Episcleritis
B. Anterior uveitis
C. Non-necrotizing scleritis
D. Necrotizing scleritis without inflammation (Correct Answer)

Explanation: **Necrotizing scleritis without inflammation** - This condition, often called **scleromalacia perforans**, is characterized by severe scleral thinning and necrosis without significant inflammatory signs in patients with **rheumatoid arthritis (RA)**. - It presents with severe pain and can lead to **scleral perforation** and vision loss due to destructive changes in the scleral collagen. *Episcleritis* - Involves inflammation of the **episclera**, which is the tissue between the conjunctiva and the sclera. - Typically presents with mild discomfort and **sectoral redness**, without scleral thinning or necrosis, and usually resolves spontaneously. *Non-necrotizing scleritis* - Characterized by **painful, intense inflammation** of the sclera (redness, tenderness), often with diffuse or nodular patterns. - While painful, it generally does not involve rapid scleral necrosis or significant thinning, which differentiates it from the necrotizing form. *Anterior uveitis* - Involves inflammation of the **iris** and **ciliary body**, causing pain, redness (often circumcorneal), and **photophobia**. - Does not result in scleral thinning or necrosis but can present with cells and flare in the anterior chamber.

Question 44: Scleritis is most commonly associated with which of the following conditions?

A. Diabetes
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Rheumatoid arthritis (Correct Answer)
D. Hypertension

Explanation: ***Rheumatoid arthritis*** - **Scleritis**, an inflammation of the sclera, is a serious ocular complication most frequently associated with **rheumatoid arthritis** due to shared autoimmune mechanisms. - The inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis can lead to systemic vasculitis, which may affect the scleral blood vessels. *Diabetes* - While diabetes can affect the eyes, it primarily causes **retinopathy**, **cataracts**, and **glaucoma**, rather than scleritis. - Ocular complications in diabetes are mainly due to microvascular damage, not autoimmune-mediated inflammation of the sclera. *Osteoarthritis* - **Osteoarthritis** is a degenerative joint disease and is not associated with systemic inflammation or autoimmune conditions that cause scleritis. - Its pathology is primarily mechanical wear and tear of cartilage, lacking systemic features that would predispose to ocular inflammation. *Hypertension* - **Hypertension** can cause various ocular issues such as **hypertensive retinopathy** and increase the risk of vascular occlusions in the eye. - However, it does not directly lead to scleritis, as scleritis is an inflammatory condition, not a direct result of elevated blood pressure.

Question 45: Panophthalmitis involves ?

A. Inner coat of eyeball
B. Inner and outer coat but sparing tenon's capsule
C. All structures of the eyeball including Tenon's capsule (Correct Answer)
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***All structures of the eyeball including Tenon's capsule*** - **Panophthalmitis** is a severe inflammation or infection that affects **all coats of the eyeball** (sclera, choroid, retina). - Crucially, it also extends to the **intraocular contents** and the **Tenon's capsule**, leading to potential destruction of the entire eye. *Inner coat of eyeball* - This description is characteristic of **uveitis** (inflammation of the uvea: iris, ciliary body, choroid) or **endophthalmitis** if it extends to the vitreous and retina. - However, **panophthalmitis** is a more extensive condition, involving more than just the inner coats. *Inner and outer coat but sparing tenon's capsule* - This scenario describes **endophthalmitis**, which involves inflammation of the internal structures of the eye (vitreous, retina, choroid) and potentially the sclera. - However, the sparing of Tenon's capsule differentiates it from **panophthalmitis**, which expressly includes involvement of this fibrous sheath. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because Option C accurately describes the comprehensive nature of **panophthalmitis**, which is an inflammation of all ocular structures, including Tenon's capsule. - The definition of panophthalmitis is critical in distinguishing it from less severe inflammatory conditions of the eye.

Question 46: What is the most common type of scleritis?

A. Non-necrotizing scleritis (Correct Answer)
B. Necrotizing scleritis
C. Posterior scleritis
D. Episcleritis

Explanation: ***Non-necrotizing scleritis*** - This form of scleritis is the **most prevalent type**, accounting for approximately **85% of all cases**. - It is often subdivided into **diffuse** and **nodular** forms, with diffuse being the most common presentation. - Characterized by **deep, boring pain** and **vascular engorgement** that does not blanch with phenylephrine. *Necrotizing scleritis* - This is a **severe and destructive** form of scleritis, often associated with systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, but it is **less common** (~14% of cases). - It involves significant inflammation leading to **scleral thinning** and potential perforation, making it a medical emergency. *Posterior scleritis* - This type of scleritis affects the **posterior segment of the globe**, behind the equator, making it the **least common form** (~2% of cases). - Symptoms can include vision loss, proptosis, and disc edema, often diagnosed by **B-scan ultrasonography** or **CT/MRI**. *Episcleritis* - This is **not a type of scleritis** but rather a **superficial inflammation** of the episcleral tissue between the conjunctiva and sclera. - It is typically **benign, self-limiting**, and presents with **sectoral redness** without severe pain, distinguishing it from true scleritis.

Practice by Chapter

Anatomy and Physiology of Sclera

Practice Questions

Episcleritis

Practice Questions

Scleritis: Anterior

Practice Questions

Scleritis: Posterior

Practice Questions

Infectious Scleritis

Practice Questions

Scleral Manifestations of Systemic Disease

Practice Questions

Blue Sclera Syndromes

Practice Questions

Scleral Degenerations

Practice Questions

Scleral Trauma

Practice Questions

Scleral Surgeries

Practice Questions

Necrotizing Scleritis

Practice Questions

Staphyloma

Practice Questions

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