Cornea: exudative versus serous features of contact lens ulcer: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Cornea: exudative versus serous features of contact lens ulcer

Sample item

A soft contact lens wearer with a red painful eye and a central infiltrate is advised initial management. What is the most appropriate step before starting antibiotics?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Corneal scraping for smear and culture

Before starting broad-spectrum therapy in a suspected infective keratitis, scrapings should be sent for Gram stain, KOH and culture. Lens wear should be stopped and the lens case cultured. Patching is avoided as it creates a warm environment for organisms.

Option by option

  • A. Patching of the eye

    Patching promotes microbial growth.

  • B. Corneal scraping for smear and culture (correct)

    Correct. Scrapings should precede antibiotic therapy.

  • C. Topical steroid to reduce inflammation

    Steroids could worsen an infective ulcer.

  • D. Immediate keratoplasty

    Keratoplasty is not an initial step.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is B, Corneal scraping for smear and culture. Before starting broad-spectrum therapy in a suspected infective keratitis, scrapings should be sent for Gram stain, KOH and culture.

Why is "Patching of the eye" not the answer?

Patching promotes microbial growth.

Why is "Topical steroid to reduce inflammation" not the answer?

Steroids could worsen an infective ulcer.

Why is "Immediate keratoplasty" not the answer?

Keratoplasty is not an initial step.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cornea: exudative versus serous features of contact lens ulcer in Ophthalmology. Lens wear should be stopped and the lens case cultured. Patching is avoided as it creates a warm environment for organisms.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cornea: exudative versus serous features of contact lens ulcer?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.