What is the most common protozoan associated with keratitis?
What is the first sign of iridocyclitis?
In the context of homocystinuria, which direction does the lens typically subluxate?
Which type of cataract is associated with the phenomenon known as 'second sight'?
Which of the following statements is false about phacolytic glaucoma?
Which type of congenital cataract is commonly associated with significant visual defects?
Which type of cataract is specifically associated with decreased reading ability?
What is the primary mechanism of pathogenesis in acute angle closure glaucoma?
What condition is characterized by cherry red spot at the macula with retinal whitening?
Most common cause of bilateral optic atrophy is:
NEET-PG 2012 - Ophthalmology NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 51: What is the most common protozoan associated with keratitis?
- A. Plasmodium
- B. Acanthamoeba (Correct Answer)
- C. Toxoplasma
- D. Entamoeba histolytica
Explanation: ***Acanthamoeba*** - **Acanthamoeba keratitis** is a serious and painful infection of the eye's cornea, most commonly associated with **contact lens wearers** who do not properly disinfect their lenses. - The organism is a **free-living protozoan** found in soil and water. *Plasmodium* - **Plasmodium** species are the causative agents of **malaria**, a disease that primarily affects **red blood cells** and the liver. - While it can manifest with ocular symptoms like **retinopathy**, it does not typically cause **keratitis**. *Toxoplasma* - **Toxoplasma gondii** causes **toxoplasmosis**, an infection that can lead to **chorioretinitis** (inflammation of the retina and choroid), especially in immunocompromised individuals or congenitally infected infants. - It does not directly cause **keratitis** as its primary ocular manifestation. *Entamoeba histolytica* - **Entamoeba histolytica** is the protozoan responsible for **amebiasis**, particularly **amoebic dysentery** and **liver abscesses**. - Ocular involvement with *Entamoeba histolytica* is extremely rare and typically involves **metastatic lesions** to the orbit or eyelids, not directly primary keratitis.
Question 52: What is the first sign of iridocyclitis?
- A. KP
- B. Congestion
- C. Trichiasis
- D. Aqueous flare (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Aqueous flare*** - This is the earliest and most subtle sign, representing an increase in **protein content** in the aqueous humor due to breakdown of the **blood-aqueous barrier**. - It is detected by a **slit-lamp examination** as a hazy appearance in the anterior chamber, similar to a car headlight beam in fog. *KP* - **Keratic precipitates (KP)** are deposits of inflammatory cells on the corneal endothelium. - While characteristic of iridocyclitis, they typically appear **after** the initial breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier that causes aqueous flare. *Congestion* - **Ciliary congestion** (perilimbal redness) is a common symptom of anterior uveitis, but it is a visible sign of inflammation. - The underlying inflammatory process causing the congestion first manifests as **subtle changes in the aqueous humor**, which is aqueous flare. *Trichiasis* - **Trichiasis** is the misdirection of eyelashes to rub against the cornea, causing irritation. - It is an **external ocular condition** and is not a sign of intraocular inflammation like iridocyclitis.
Question 53: In the context of homocystinuria, which direction does the lens typically subluxate?
- A. Inferotemporal
- B. Inferonasal (Correct Answer)
- C. Superonasal
- D. Superotemporal
Explanation: ***Inferonasal*** - In **homocystinuria**, the **ectopia lentis** (lens subluxation) often occurs due to weakening of the **zonular fibers**. - The classic direction for lens subluxation in homocystinuria is **inferior and nasal**. *Inferotemporal* - While lens subluxation can occur in various directions, **inferotemporal** is not the classic or most common presentation in homocystinuria. - This direction is less specific and does not strongly point to homocystinuria as the underlying cause. *Superonasal* - **Superonasal** dislocation of the lens is more characteristic of **Marfan syndrome**, which is important to differentiate from homocystinuria. - This direction helps distinguish different causes of lens ectopia. *Superotemporal* - **Superotemporal** lens subluxation is the hallmark of **Marfan syndrome**, a genetic connective tissue disorder. - This specific finding is crucial for differential diagnosis in patients presenting with lens ectopia.
Question 54: Which type of cataract is associated with the phenomenon known as 'second sight'?
- A. Nuclear cataract (Correct Answer)
- B. Cortical cataract
- C. Zonular cataract
- D. Punctate cataract
Explanation: ***Nuclear cataract*** - A nuclear cataract causes the lens to become more **myopic** or nearsighted due to an increase in its **refractive index**. - This temporary increase in nearsightedness can allow elderly individuals who previously needed reading glasses (due to presbyopia) to read without them, a phenomenon known as "**second sight**." *Cortical cataract* - Cortical cataracts primarily affect the **outer layer or cortex** of the lens, appearing as spokes or wedges radiating from the periphery. - They tend to cause **glare** and **reduced peripheral vision**, but generally do not improve near vision. *Zonular cataract* - A zonular cataract is a **congenital type of cataract**, characterized by opacity in specific layers (lamellae) of the lens, often in the fetal nucleus. - It does not typically lead to the "second sight" phenomenon, as it is present from birth and affects vision differently. *Punctate cataract* - Punctate cataracts are small, **dot-like opacities** scattered throughout the lens, often considered benign. - They are usually **incidental findings** and rarely cause significant visual disturbances or "second sight."
Question 55: Which of the following statements is false about phacolytic glaucoma?
- A. Open angle glaucoma
- B. Lens induced glaucoma
- C. Primarily caused by iris-lens contact (Correct Answer)
- D. Seen in hypermature stage of cataract
Explanation: ***Primarily caused by iris-lens contact*** - This statement is **FALSE** because **phacolytic glaucoma** is caused by the leakage of **lens proteins** from a **hypermature cataract** into the **anterior chamber**, not by iris-lens contact. - **Iris-lens contact** is the mechanism in **pupillary block glaucoma** and **acute angle-closure glaucoma**, not in phacolytic glaucoma. - The pathophysiology involves **macrophages** engulfing leaked lens proteins and obstructing the **trabecular meshwork**. *Open angle glaucoma* - This statement is true because **phacolytic glaucoma** is definitively an **open-angle glaucoma**. - It involves obstruction of the **trabecular meshwork** by **macrophages** laden with **lens proteins**, which is an open-angle mechanism. - The angle remains anatomically open but functionally blocked. *Seen in hypermature stage of cataract* - This statement is true because **phacolytic glaucoma** develops when the **lens capsule** of a **hypermature (Morgagnian) cataract** becomes permeable. - This permeability allows **high-molecular-weight lens proteins** to leak into the **aqueous humor**. *Lens induced glaucoma* - This statement is true as **phacolytic glaucoma** is a specific type of **lens-induced glaucoma**, arising from the toxic effects of **leaked lens material**. - Other forms of **lens-induced glaucoma** include **phacomorphic glaucoma**, **lens-particle glaucoma**, and **phacoanaphylactic glaucoma**.
Question 56: Which type of congenital cataract is commonly associated with significant visual defects?
- A. Punctate Cataract
- B. Blue dot cataract
- C. Fusiform cataract
- D. Nuclear cataract (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Nuclear cataract*** - It involves the **nucleus** of the lens, which is the central and most visually critical part. - This type of cataract can cause **significant visual impairment** due to its central location and density, impacting early visual development. *Punctate Cataract* - These are **small, dot-like opacities** that are usually clinically insignificant and do not typically cause significant visual defects. - They are often **peripheral** or very fine, thus not obstructing the central visual axis. *Blue dot cataract* - Also known as **cerulean cataract**, this type consists of small, bluish opacities in the lens cortex. - While congenital, it often has **minimal impact on vision** and is frequently observed incidentally. *Fusiform cataract* - This cataract forms in the shape of a **spindle or needle**, usually along the visual axis. - While it can sometimes cause minor visual compromise, its impact is generally **less severe** compared to a dense nuclear cataract.
Question 57: Which type of cataract is specifically associated with decreased reading ability?
- A. Blue dot cataract
- B. Nuclear cataract (Correct Answer)
- C. Fusiform cataract
- D. Punctate cataract
Explanation: ***Nuclear cataract*** - **Nuclear cataracts** cause progressive hardening and yellowing of the lens nucleus with increased refractive index - This produces a **myopic shift** that initially causes **"second sight"** (temporary improvement in near vision) - However, as the cataract progresses, the increasing opacity leads to **overall visual decline affecting both distance and near vision**, including reading ability - Among the given options, nuclear cataract is the most common age-related cataract that significantly impairs vision including reading *Blue dot cataract* - **Blue dot cataracts** (cerulean cataracts) are small, bluish peripheral opacities, usually congenital and stationary - They rarely cause significant visual impairment and do not affect reading ability *Fusiform cataract* - **Fusiform cataracts** are congenital spindle-shaped opacities along the visual axis - While they can affect vision if dense, they are rare and not typically associated with progressive reading difficulty *Punctate cataract* - **Punctate cataracts** are small, scattered dot-like opacities in the lens - They are often congenital or age-related and cause minimal visual disturbance - Not specifically associated with decreased reading ability
Question 58: What is the primary mechanism of pathogenesis in acute angle closure glaucoma?
- A. Increased secretion of aqueous humor
- B. Outflow obstruction due to anatomical factors (Correct Answer)
- C. Increased absorption of aqueous humor
- D. Decreased ciliary body function
Explanation: ***Outflow obstruction due to anatomical factors*** - **Acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG)** occurs due to a sudden blockage of the **trabecular meshwork**, which is the primary drainage pathway for aqueous humor. - This blockage is caused by anatomical predispositions, such as a **narrow anterior chamber angle**, relatively large lens, and **pupillary block** leading to iris bombé with peripheral iris bowing forward. - The iridocorneal angle closure prevents aqueous humor drainage, causing **rapid IOP elevation**. *Increased secretion of aqueous humor* - While increased aqueous humor production can contribute to elevated intraocular pressure, it is **not the primary mechanism** in acute angle-closure glaucoma. - This mechanism is more relevant in **open-angle glaucoma** or conditions with ciliary body overactivity. - AACG's hallmark is **outflow obstruction**, not increased production. *Decreased ciliary body function* - Decreased ciliary body function would **reduce aqueous humor production**, leading to **hypotony** (low IOP), not elevated pressure. - This is the opposite of what occurs in AACG, where IOP rises dramatically due to impaired drainage. - Ciliary body dysfunction is seen in conditions like **uveitis** or post-surgical complications. *Increased absorption of aqueous humor* - **Increased absorption** of aqueous humor would **reduce intraocular pressure**, which is the opposite of what occurs in acute angle-closure glaucoma. - The disease is characterized by a **rapid and severe rise in intraocular pressure** due to impaired outflow, not enhanced absorption. - Normal aqueous absorption occurs via trabecular and uveoscleral pathways, both of which are blocked in AACG.
Question 59: What condition is characterized by cherry red spot at the macula with retinal whitening?
- A. CRVO
- B. CRAO (Correct Answer)
- C. Diabetic retinopathy
- D. Syphilitic retinopathy
Explanation: ***CRAO*** - **Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)** is characterized by **sudden, profound, painless monocular vision loss**. - The classic funduscopic finding is a **cherry-red spot at the macula** with diffuse **retinal whitening** due to ischemia. *CRVO* - **Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)** presents with **painless vision loss** but typically shows **hemorrhages**, **dilated tortuous veins**, and **cotton wool spots** on funduscopic exam. - It does not usually cause retinal whitening or a cherry-red spot. *Diabetic retinopathy* - **Diabetic retinopathy** is characterized by **microaneurysms**, **hemorrhages**, **hard exudates**, and **cotton wool spots**, and can lead to neovascularization. - It does not present with acute retinal whitening or a cherry-red spot in the macula. *Syphilitic retinopathy* - **Syphilitic retinopathy** can cause a variety of presentations, including **retinal vasculitis**, **chorioretinitis**, and **optic neuritis**. - It does not typically manifest as a cherry-red spot with diffuse retinal whitening at the macula.
Question 60: Most common cause of bilateral optic atrophy is:
- A. Intracranial tumor
- B. Nutritional deficiency (B12/folate) (Correct Answer)
- C. Hereditary optic neuropathy
- D. Toxic optic neuropathy
Explanation: ***Nutritional deficiency (B12/folate)*** - **Nutritional optic neuropathy** due to deficiencies in B vitamins (especially B12, thiamine) and folate is a common cause of bilateral optic atrophy, particularly in **developing countries** and in populations with **malnutrition or chronic alcoholism**. - These deficiencies impair the **metabolism of retinal ganglion cells** and their axons, leading to symmetric bilateral optic nerve degeneration. - The condition is often **reversible in early stages** with appropriate supplementation. - **Note:** The "most common" cause varies by geographic location, population, and clinical setting. *Hereditary optic neuropathy* - **Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)** and **autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA)** are major causes of bilateral optic atrophy, especially in **younger patients**. - LHON typically presents in young males (15-35 years) with **sequential bilateral visual loss**. - These are among the **most common inherited optic neuropathies** and should always be considered in bilateral cases. *Intracranial tumor* - Intracranial tumors typically cause **unilateral optic atrophy** due to direct compression of one optic nerve. - **Bilateral optic atrophy** can occur with **chiasmal or suprasellar tumors** (pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas) but is less common. - Usually presents with **visual field defects** (bitemporal hemianopia) before significant atrophy develops. *Toxic optic neuropathy* - **Toxic optic neuropathies** result from exposure to substances such as **methanol, ethambutol, tobacco-alcohol amblyopia**, or isoniazid. - Can cause bilateral symmetric optic atrophy but are **exposure-dependent** and less prevalent in general population. - **Tobacco-alcohol amblyopia** may overlap with nutritional deficiency.