Glaucoma Filtration Surgery — MCQs

10 questions

Which of the following is the most devastating complication of cataract surgery?

Postoperative complications of cataract surgery are all except?

Which of the following procedures is not typically covered by the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) for reimbursement of surgery done by a non-governmental organization (NGO) eye hospital?

SAFE strategy is for:

All of the following can be used to decrease intraocular pressure in glaucoma except?

In which of the following situations is breast conservation surgery not indicated?

The primary indication for enucleation in pediatric patients is:

SAFE strategy is recommended for-

Epinephrine is not used in –

Q10

Which drug is contraindicated in angle-closure glaucoma?

Glaucoma Filtration Surgery Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: Which of the following is the most devastating complication of cataract surgery?

A. Endophthalmitis (Correct Answer)
B. Optic neuropathy
C. Retinal detachment
D. Vitreous loss

Explanation: ***Endophthalmitis*** - **Endophthalmitis** is a severe intraocular infection following cataract surgery that can rapidly lead to irreversible vision loss or even loss of the eye if not promptly treated. - It is considered the most devastating complication due to its acute onset and high potential for **permanent vision impairment**. *Optic neuropathy* - While optic neuropathy can cause visual loss, it is a less common direct complication of cataract surgery compared to endophthalmitis. - It typically results from processes like **ischemia** or severe orbital inflammation, which are rare occurrences immediately post-cataract surgery. *Retinal detachment* - **Retinal detachment** is a serious complication, but generally occurs at a lower rate than endophthalmitis and often has a better visual prognosis with timely surgical repair. - It is a known risk, particularly in patients with pre-existing **myopia** or prior posterior capsular rupture, but not necessarily the *most* devastating. *Vitreous loss* - **Vitreous loss** is an intraoperative complication that increases the risk of other issues like retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, and endophthalmitis but is not, in itself, the most devastating. - Proper surgical technique and management during the procedure can mitigate many of its long-term sequelae.

Question 2: Postoperative complications of cataract surgery are all except?

A. Endophthalmitis
B. Glaucoma
C. Scleritis (Correct Answer)
D. After cataract

Explanation: ***Scleritis*** - **Scleritis** is an inflammatory condition of the sclera, which is the white outer layer of the eye, and is generally not a direct postoperative complication of cataract surgery. - While it can occur in patients with systemic inflammatory diseases, it is not causally linked to cataract surgery itself. *Endophthalmitis* - **Endophthalmitis** is a severe infection of the intraocular fluids (vitreous and aqueous humor) and tissues, representing a rare but devastating complication of cataract surgery. - It typically presents with rapidly progressive vision loss, pain, and hypopyon (pus in the anterior chamber) within days to weeks post-surgery. *Glaucoma* - **Glaucoma** can develop or worsen after cataract surgery due to various mechanisms, such as inflammation leading to trabecular meshwork dysfunction, pupillary block, or retained lens material. - Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation can result in optic nerve damage if not promptly managed. *After cataract* - **After cataract**, also known as **posterior capsule opacification (PCO)**, is the most common long-term complication of cataract surgery. - It occurs when residual lens epithelial cells proliferate and migrate onto the posterior lens capsule, causing blurring of vision months to years after surgery, and is typically treated with Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.

Question 3: Which of the following procedures is not typically covered by the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) for reimbursement of surgery done by a non-governmental organization (NGO) eye hospital?

A. Cataract surgery
B. Pan retinal photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy
C. Syringing and probing of the nasolacrimal duct (Correct Answer)
D. Trabeculectomy surgery

Explanation: ***Syringing and probing of the nasolacrimal duct*** - While important for lacrimal drainage issues, procedures like **syringing and probing** are generally considered minor and less vision-restoring compared to the major surgeries targeted by the **NPCB**. - The **NPCB** focuses on interventions for leading causes of blindness, primarily **cataract** and other significant vision-threatening conditions, which this procedure typically isn't. *Cataract surgery* - **Cataract surgery** is a cornerstone of the **NPCB's** efforts, as cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness. - Reimbursement for **cataract surgery** is a primary objective to improve access and reduce the burden of blindness. *Pan retinal photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy* - **Diabetic retinopathy** is a major cause of preventable blindness, and **pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP)** is a key intervention to preserve vision. - The **NPCB** includes procedures for **diabetic retinopathy** management due to its significant public health impact. *Trabeculectomy surgery* - **Trabeculectomy** is a surgical procedure for **glaucoma**, which is another significant cause of irreversible blindness. - The **NPCB** includes interventions for **glaucoma** given its severe vision-threatening nature and the need for surgical management in many cases.

Question 4: SAFE strategy is for:

A. Onchocerciasis
B. Glaucoma
C. Diabetic retinopathy
D. Trachoma (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Trachoma*** - The **SAFE strategy** is a comprehensive public health approach designed to eliminate **trachoma**, a preventable cause of blindness. - SAFE stands for **Surgery** for trichiasis, **Antibiotics** to treat active infection, **Facial cleanliness** to reduce transmission, and **Environmental improvement** (especially access to water and sanitation) to prevent reinfection. *Onchocerciasia* - This condition, also known as **river blindness**, is primarily managed through mass drug administration of **ivermectin**. - While public health interventions are crucial for onchocerciasis, the specific SAFE acronym is not associated with its control program. *Glaucoma* - The management of glaucoma focuses on lowering **intraocular pressure** through medications, laser treatment, or surgery. - It is a chronic eye condition that does not involve infectious agents like trachoma, and the SAFE strategy is irrelevant. *Diabetic retinopathy* - This complication of diabetes is managed by controlling **blood sugar**, blood pressure, and lipids, along with specific ophthalmological treatments like laser photocoagulation or anti-VEGF injections. - It is a non-infectious, metabolic disease, making the SAFE strategy inapplicable.

Question 5: All of the following can be used to decrease intraocular pressure in glaucoma except?

A. Mannitol
B. Clonidine
C. Dexamethasone (Correct Answer)
D. Methazolamide

Explanation: ***Dexamethasone*** - **Corticosteroids** like dexamethasone are known to **increase intraocular pressure** by reducing the outflow of aqueous humor, thus exacerbating glaucoma. - This effect is often dose-dependent and can lead to **steroid-induced glaucoma** in susceptible individuals. *Mannitol* - **Mannitol** is an osmotic diuretic used to **rapidly decrease intraocular pressure** by drawing fluid out of the vitreous humor. - It is often used in acute angle-closure glaucoma or before ocular surgery. *Clonidine* - **Clonidine** is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that can **decrease aqueous humor production**, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. - While it has been studied for glaucoma, its systemic side effects often limit its use. *Methazolamide* - **Methazolamide** is a **carbonic anhydrase inhibitor** that reduces the production of aqueous humor. - This reduction in fluid production directly leads to a decrease in intraocular pressure, making it a common glaucoma treatment.

Question 6: In which of the following situations is breast conservation surgery not indicated?

A. SLE
B. Large pendular breast
C. Diffuse microcalcification
D. All of the options (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***All of the options*** - All listed scenarios—**large pendular breast**, **SLE**, and **diffuse microcalcification**—represent situations where breast conservation surgery is generally contraindicated or challenging. - Their presence often necessitates alternative treatment approaches, such as mastectomy, to achieve optimal oncologic and cosmetic outcomes. *Large pendular breast* - While not an absolute contraindication, a **very large or pendulous breast** can make it difficult to achieve a satisfactory cosmetic outcome after breast conservation surgery. - The disproportionate breast size post-lumpectomy may lead to significant **asymmetry**, requiring further reconstructive procedures. *SLE* - Patients with **Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)** are at an increased risk of complications from radiation therapy, a mandatory component of breast conservation surgery. - They tend to experience more severe and prolonged **acute and chronic skin reactions** to radiation, which can significantly impair healing and quality of life. *Diffuse microcalcification* - **Diffuse microcalcification** within the breast can indicate widespread in situ carcinoma (e.g., DCIS) or an invasive carcinoma with extensive intraductal component. - In such cases, achieving **clear surgical margins** with breast conservation surgery can be challenging and often leads to multiple re-excisions or an increased risk of local recurrence.

Question 7: The primary indication for enucleation in pediatric patients is:

A. Panophthalmitis
B. Acute congestive glaucoma
C. Retinoblastoma (Correct Answer)
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***Retinoblastoma*** - **Retinoblastoma** is a malignant tumor of the retina commonly seen in children, and **enucleation** (surgical removal of the eye) is frequently the primary treatment to prevent tumor spread and save the child's life. - The decision for enucleation is based on the tumor's size, location, and potential for dissemination, especially when other globe-sparing therapies are not feasible or fail. *Panophthalmitis* - **Panophthalmitis** is a severe infection involving all coats of the eye and orbital tissues, which can be managed with aggressive antibiotic therapy. - While enucleation might be a last resort in cases of uncontrolled infection and severe pain, it is not the primary indication, especially in pediatric patients where globe salvage is often attempted first. *Acute congestive glaucoma* - **Acute congestive glaucoma** involves a sudden, severe increase in intraocular pressure, causing pain and vision loss, but it is primarily managed with medical and surgical interventions to lower pressure. - Enucleation is not a standard treatment for acute glaucoma unless the eye is blind, painful, and unresponsive to all other treatments, and it is rarely the primary indication in children. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **retinoblastoma** is a well-established and common primary indication for enucleation in pediatric patients due to its life-threatening nature.

Question 8: SAFE strategy is recommended for-

A. Diabetic retinopathy
B. Trachoma (Correct Answer)
C. Glaucoma
D. Cataract

Explanation: ***Trachoma*** * The **SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial Cleanliness, Environmental improvement)** is the WHO-recommended public health approach for the elimination of **trachoma**, a chronic eye infection caused by *Chlamydia trachomatis*. * This comprehensive strategy addresses both active infection and its blinding sequelae, specifically **trichiasis** (in-turned eyelashes) through surgery. *Diabetic retinopathy* * Management of diabetic retinopathy primarily involves **blood sugar control, regular ophthalmologic exams, laser photocoagulation, and anti-VEGF injections**, not the SAFE strategy. * The focus is on preventing and treating retinal damage caused by **diabetes**, which is distinct from infectious causes. *Glaucoma* * Glaucoma is characterized by **optic nerve damage** and visual field loss, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure, and is managed with **medication, laser therapy, or surgery (e.g., trabeculectomy)**. * It is a **neurodegenerative condition**, not an infectious disease, so the SAFE strategy is not applicable. *Cataract* * Cataracts involve the **clouding of the natural lens** of the eye, leading to blurred vision, and are primarily treated through **surgical removal of the cloudy lens** and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens. * This condition is age-related or can be caused by trauma or disease, but it is **not an infection** for which the SAFE strategy would be relevant.

Question 9: Epinephrine is not used in –

A. Open angle glaucoma
B. Neovascular glaucoma
C. Uveitis glaucoma
D. Aphakic glaucoma (Correct Answer)

Explanation: **Aphakic glaucoma** - Epinephrine is generally avoided in aphakic eyes (lacking a lens) due to an increased risk of **cystoid macular edema**. - The absence of the lens can alter intraocular fluid dynamics and drug distribution, making epinephrine more problematic. *Open angle glaucoma* - Epinephrine agonists (like dipivefrin, a prodrug of epinephrine) can be used in **open-angle glaucoma** to reduce intraocular pressure by increasing **aqueous humor outflow**. - This mechanism of action helps manage the elevated pressure characteristic of this condition. *Neovascular glaucoma* - While not a primary treatment, epinephrine may sometimes be used cautiously in **neovascular glaucoma** to reduce intraocular pressure, though the underlying cause of **neovascularization** must be addressed. - Its use is often limited due to potential exacerbation of **ischemia** in some cases. *Uveitis glaucoma* - Epinephrine is generally avoided in **uveitic glaucoma** because it can worsen **inflammation** by increasing **blood-aqueous barrier breakdown** and promoting **synechiae formation**. - The primary treatment focuses on controlling the uveitis with **corticosteroids**.

Question 10: Which drug is contraindicated in angle-closure glaucoma?

A. Atropine (Correct Answer)
B. Pilocarpine
C. Timolol
D. Dorzolamide

Explanation: ***Atropine*** - **Atropine** is an **anticholinergic** agent that causes **mydriasis** (pupil dilation) by blocking muscarinic receptors in the iris sphincter muscle. - In angle-closure glaucoma, pupillary dilation can narrow the **anterior chamber angle**, preventing aqueous humor outflow and acutely increasing **intraocular pressure**. *Pilocarpine* - **Pilocarpine** is a **muscarinic agonist** that causes **miosis** (pupil constriction) and contraction of the ciliary muscle, widening the anterior chamber angle. - This action facilitates **aqueous humor outflow**, making it a treatment for, not contraindicated in, angle-closure glaucoma. *Timolol* - **Timolol** is a **beta-blocker** that reduces aqueous humor production, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. - It does not significantly affect pupil size or the anterior chamber angle, making it a safe and effective treatment for various forms of glaucoma, including open-angle. *Dorzolamide* - **Dorzolamide** is a **carbonic anhydrase inhibitor** that reduces aqueous humor production. - Like timolol, it primarily acts to lower intraocular pressure without affecting pupil size or the anterior chamber angle, making it suitable for glaucoma treatment.

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