NEET-PG 2015 - Ophthalmology Practice Questions

Q: Muscae volitantes is seen in?

Vitreous detachment. ***Vitreous detachment*** - **Muscae volitantes** (Latin for "flying flies") is the classical term for **vitreous floaters** - **Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)** is the **most common cause** of muscae volitantes - PVD occurs due to **vitreous liquefaction** and **vitreoretinal separation**, causing **collagen fibers and cellular debris** to cast shadows on the retina - These floaters are typically described as **spots, cobwebs, or threads** that move with eye movement - PVD is extremely common, particularly **after age 50-60 years**, and in **myopic patients** *Remains of primitive hyaloid vasculature* - **Hyaloid remnants** (such as **Mittendorf's dot** or **Bergmeister's papilla**) are **congenital developmental anomalies** - While these can occasionally be visible as small opacities, they are **not the classical cause** of muscae volitantes - These are typically **stationary** rather than "floating" as the term implies *Vitreous Hemorrhage* - Causes **sudden onset** of numerous floaters, often described as **"shower of red blood cells"** or dense black spots - Associated with **significant vision loss** and requires urgent evaluation - Not the benign, chronic floaters typical of muscae volitantes *Eale's disease* - **Peripheral retinal vasculitis** causing **recurrent vitreous hemorrhages** - Floaters occur secondary to **hemorrhage**, not the primary pathology of muscae volitantes - Presents with **recurrent episodes** and **vision loss**, not isolated benign floaters

Q: Which of the following statements about pterygium is false?

Arise from any part of conjunctiva. ***Arise from any part of conjunctiva*** **(FALSE - Correct Answer)** - This statement is **FALSE** and thus the correct answer. - Pterygium characteristically arises from the **nasal (interpalpebral) bulbar conjunctiva** in 90-95% of cases. - It does NOT arise from "any part" - it has a specific predilection for the medial (nasal) limbus in the palpebral fissure zone. - Temporal pterygium is much less common (~10% of cases). *Can cause astigmatism* **(TRUE)** - This statement is TRUE. - As a pterygium grows across the cornea, it can induce **corneal astigmatism** by altering the curvature of the cornea. - This irregular corneal surface can blur vision, especially as the pterygium progresses towards the central visual axis. *Surgery is treatment of choice* **(TRUE)** - This statement is TRUE. - **Surgical excision** is the primary treatment for pterygium when it is symptomatic, threatens vision, or causes significant cosmetic concerns. - Indications for surgery include: growth towards the visual axis, inducing high astigmatism, significant discomfort, or cosmetic desire. - Adjunctive measures (mitomycin C, conjunctival autograft) help reduce recurrence. *UV exposure is risk factor* **(TRUE)** - This statement is TRUE. - **Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure** is a well-established and significant risk factor for the development and progression of pterygium. - This explains its higher prevalence in individuals living in sunny climates (between 37° N and 37° S latitude - "pterygium belt") and those with outdoor occupations.

Q: Which of the following statements about congenital glaucoma is incorrect?

Anterior chamber is shallow. ***Anterior chamber is shallow*** - In congenital glaucoma, the **anterior chamber depth is typically normal or deep**, not shallow. - A shallow anterior chamber is more characteristic of **angle-closure glaucoma**, which is mechanistically different. - This makes the statement incorrect, as congenital glaucoma is associated with a **deep anterior chamber** due to globe enlargement. *Photophobia is most common symptom* - **Photophobia** (sensitivity to light) is indeed one of the classic presenting symptoms in congenital glaucoma. - It forms part of the classic triad: **photophobia, epiphora (tearing), and blepharospasm**. - This occurs due to **increased intraocular pressure** causing corneal edema and irritation. *Thin and blue sclera seen* - The **sclera** can appear thin and blue due to **buphthalmos** (enlargement of the eye) and stretching of the globe. - The stretching allows the underlying **uveal tissue** to show through, giving the characteristic blue appearance. - This is a direct consequence of elevated intraocular pressure in a developing eye. *Haab's Striae may be seen* - **Haab's striae** are **Descemet's membrane tears** that are pathognomonic of congenital glaucoma. - These horizontal or curvilinear breaks occur due to stretching of the cornea from **elevated intraocular pressure**. - They appear as visible linear opacities on corneal examination.

Q: Rosette cataract is seen due to:

Trauma. ***Trauma*** - A **rosette cataract** is a classic sign of **blunt or penetrating ocular trauma**, where the force disrupts the lens fibers, leading to a characteristic star-shaped opacity. - The trauma causes a rapid swelling and opacification of the lens, often in the anterior or posterior subcapsular regions in a flower-petal or stellar pattern. *Copper foreign body* - A **copper foreign body** typically causes a **chalcosis lentis**, characterized by a **sunflower cataract** (deposits in the anterior capsule) due to copper deposition. - This is distinct from a rosette cataract, which forms due to the mechanical disruption of lens integrity rather than elemental deposition. *Diabetes* - **Diabetic cataracts** are typically either **"snowflake" cataracts** (rapidly progressive in younger patients with uncontrolled diabetes) or more commonly **age-related cataracts** that progress faster in diabetic patients. - These are metabolically induced cataracts, not presenting with the characteristic rosette or star-shaped pattern associated with trauma. *Hyperparathyroidism* - **Hyperparathyroidism** can lead to **metabolic cataracts** due to chronic hypercalcemia, which can cause calcium deposition within the lens. - These cataracts are typically described as **punctate cortical or subcapsular opacities**, rather than the distinct rosette shape seen after trauma.

Q: All are true regarding cornea except:

The cornea is richly vascular.. ***The cornea is richly vascular.*** - The cornea is an **avascular** tissue, meaning it lacks blood vessels, which is crucial for its transparency. - This avascularity helps prevent light scatter and maintains clear vision. - The cornea receives nutrition from the **aqueous humor**, **tear film**, and **limbal blood vessels** through diffusion. *Endothelium help in maintaining dehydrated state* - The **corneal endothelium** actively pumps fluid out of the corneal stroma via **Na-K-ATPase pumps**, preventing swelling and maintaining its relative state of dehydration. - This **deturgescence** is essential for the cornea's transparency and optimal refractive power. *Oxygen is mostly derived by epithelium directly from the air through tear film* - The corneal **epithelium** primarily obtains oxygen directly from the atmosphere via the **tear film** when the eyes are open. - During sleep, oxygen is primarily supplied by the **palpebral conjunctival vessels**. *Corneal thickness is greater at periphery than center* - The cornea is **thinner at the center** (around 520-540 µm) and gradually **thicker towards the periphery** (around 600-640 µm). - This structural difference contributes to its optical properties and mechanical stability.

Q: What term describes a condition where the axial length of the eye does not match its refractive power?

Axial Ametropia. ***Axial Ametropia*** - This term precisely describes a refractive error where the **axial length** of the eye is either too long or too short relative to its **optical power**, leading to images focusing in front of or behind the retina. - Examples include **myopia** (eye too long) and **hyperopia** (eye too short), which are fundamentally caused by a mismatch in axial length. *Anisokonia* - This condition refers to a significant difference in the **perceived size of images** between the two eyes, often due to unequal refractive errors between the eyes. - It does not directly describe the mismatch between axial length and refractive power itself, but rather a perceptual consequence that can result from asymmetric refractive errors. *Curvature ametropia* - This type of ametropia occurs when the **curvature** of the cornea or lens is abnormal, causing light rays to converge incorrectly. - While it's a form of refractive error, it specifically relates to the curvature of refractive surfaces, not the overall **axial length** of the eyeball. *Emmetropia* - This is the state of having **perfect vision**, where the refractive power of the eye correctly matches its axial length, allowing light to focus precisely on the retina without accommodation. - It describes the absence of refractive error, which is the opposite of the condition described in the question.

Q: All of the following are true about Keratoconus, except:

Thick cornea. ***Thick cornea*** - Keratoconus is characterized by **progressive corneal thinning** and weakening, not thickening. - This corneal thinning leads to a conical protrusion, causing significant visual distortion and irregular astigmatism. *Increased curvature of cornea and Astigmatism* - Keratoconus features **increased corneal curvature** with progressive steepening into a cone-shaped configuration. - This results in **irregular astigmatism**, a hallmark feature causing distorted vision at all distances. *Astigmatism* - **Irregular astigmatism** is a cardinal feature of keratoconus due to the asymmetric corneal shape. - Causes blurred and distorted vision that is difficult to correct with spectacles alone. *Fleischer's ring* - **Fleischer's ring** is an iron deposit ring at the base of the cone in keratoconus, visible on slit-lamp examination. - It represents hemosiderin deposition in the basal epithelial cells and is a characteristic clinical sign of keratoconus.

Q: What condition are miotics the treatment of choice for?

Open-angle glaucoma. ***Open-angle glaucoma*** - Miotics, such as **pilocarpine**, are a classical treatment option for **primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)**. - They work by **contracting the ciliary muscle**, which opens up the **trabecular meshwork** and increases aqueous humor outflow. - This results in **reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP)**, the primary goal in glaucoma management. - Though less commonly used today due to side effects (brow ache, miosis affecting vision), they remain effective and are particularly useful in patients who cannot tolerate other medications. *Angle closure glaucoma* - Miotics are **contraindicated in acute angle-closure glaucoma** as they can worsen pupillary block during the acute attack. - The initial treatment involves **IOP-lowering agents, systemic medications, and laser iridotomy**, not miotics. - Miotics may have a limited role in chronic angle closure after definitive treatment, but they are NOT the treatment of choice. *Buphthalmos* - This refers to **enlargement of the eyeball** in infants due to congenital glaucoma. - Management primarily involves **surgical intervention** (goniotomy, trabeculotomy) to address the developmental anomalies of the drainage angle. - Medical management alone, including miotics, is insufficient. *Sympathetic ophthalmia* - A rare **bilateral granulomatous panuveitis** following penetrating trauma or surgery to one eye. - Treated with **corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents**. - Miotics have no role in managing this inflammatory condition.

Q: All of the following are true for sympathetic ophthalmitis except which of the following?

Affects the injured eye. ***Affects the injured eye*** - Sympathetic ophthalmia is a **bilateral, granulomatous panuveitis** that characteristically affects the **fellow, uninjured eye** (sympathizing eye) following trauma or surgery to the other eye (exciting eye). - The disease involves an immune response directed against ocular antigens, typically from the uveal tissue, in the uninjured eye. *Mostly results from a penetrating wound* - This statement is true; **penetrating ocular trauma** (e.g., from surgery or injury) is the most common trigger for sympathetic ophthalmia. - The exposure of uveal antigens from the injured eye initiates an autoimmune response. *Autoimmune etiology* - This statement is true; sympathetic ophthalmia is an **autoimmune disease** mediated by T-lymphocytes against uveal antigens. - The condition is characterized by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction against exposed uveal proteins. *Dalen Fuch's nodules may be seen* - This statement is true; **Dalen-Fuchs nodules** are characteristic histopathological findings in sympathetic ophthalmia. - These are accumulations of epithelioid cells and lymphocytes located between the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane.

Q: Which optical instrument utilizes the principle of total internal reflection?

Gonioscope. ***Gonioscope*** - A **gonioscope** uses mirrors or prisms to allow visualization of the **anterior chamber angle**, leveraging **total internal reflection** to bypass the normal optical limitations of the cornea. - The principle of total internal reflection occurs when light traveling from a denser medium (like the prism/mirror in the gonioscope) hits an interface with a less dense medium (like air or the aqueous humor) at an angle greater than the **critical angle**, causing all light to reflect back. *Pachymeter* - A **pachymeter** is used to measure the **thickness of the cornea**, typically employing ultrasound or optical methods. - It does not rely on total internal reflection but rather on the time-of-flight of sound waves or the reflection/scattering of light from corneal layers. *Ophthalmoscope* - An **ophthalmoscope** is used to examine the posterior segment of the eye, including the **fundus**, optic disc, and retina. - It works by directing a light source into the eye and viewing the reflected light, using lenses to focus the image, without utilizing total internal reflection. *Lensometer* - A **lensometer** (or focimeter) is an optician's instrument used to measure the prescription of eyeglasses or contact lenses, including **sphere, cylinder, and axis**. - Its operation is based on standard lens optics and does not involve the principle of total internal reflection.

Question 1

Muscae volitantes is seen in?

Accepted Answer

Vitreous detachment

Answer

Vitreous Hemorrhage

Answer

Remains of primitive hyaloid vasculature

Answer

Eale's disease

Question 2

Which of the following statements about pterygium is false?

Accepted Answer

Arise from any part of conjunctiva

Answer

Can cause astigmatism

Answer

Surgery is treatment of choice

Answer

UV exposure is risk factor

Question 3

Which of the following statements about congenital glaucoma is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Anterior chamber is shallow

Answer

Thin and blue sclera seen

Answer

Photophobia is most common symptom

Answer

Haab's Striae may be seen

Question 4

Rosette cataract is seen due to:

Accepted Answer

Trauma

Answer

Hyperparathyroidism

Answer

Copper foreign body

Answer

Diabetes

Question 5

All are true regarding cornea except:

Accepted Answer

The cornea is richly vascular.

Answer

Endothelium help in maintaining dehydrated state

Answer

Oxygen is mostly derived by epithelium directly from the air through tear film

Answer

Corneal thickness is greater at periphery than center

Question 6

What term describes a condition where the axial length of the eye does not match its refractive power?

Accepted Answer

Axial Ametropia

Answer

Anisokonia

Answer

Emmetropia

Answer

Curvature ametropia

Question 7

All of the following are true about Keratoconus, except:

Accepted Answer

Thick cornea

Answer

Astigmatism

Answer

Increased curvature of cornea and Astigmatism

Answer

Fleischer's ring

Question 8

What condition are miotics the treatment of choice for?

Accepted Answer

Open-angle glaucoma

Answer

Angle closure glaucoma

Answer

Buphthalmos

Answer

Sympathetic ophthalmia

Question 9

All of the following are true for sympathetic ophthalmitis except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Affects the injured eye

Answer

Mostly results from a penetrating wound

Answer

Autoimmune etiology

Answer

Dalen-Fuchs nodules may be seen

Question 10

Which optical instrument utilizes the principle of total internal reflection?

Accepted Answer

Gonioscope

Answer

Pachymeter

Answer

Ophthalmoscope

Answer

Lensometer

NEET-PG 2015 — Ophthalmology