Glaucoma: selective laser trabeculoplasty: 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 · Glaucoma: selective laser trabeculoplasty

Sample item

A patient with early POAG cannot tolerate drops. Which laser treatment targets the trabecular pigmented cells with a 532 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Selective laser trabeculoplasty

SLT selectively targets pigmented trabecular cells without thermal damage and is repeatable. It is an effective alternative or first-line option for open angle glaucoma. Iridotomy is for angle closure.

Option by option

  • A. Panretinal photocoagulation

    PRP treats proliferative retinopathy.

  • B. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (correct)

    Correct. SLT is a laser option in open angle glaucoma.

  • C. Cyclophotocoagulation

    Cyclophotocoagulation is for refractory glaucoma.

  • D. Laser peripheral iridotomy

    Iridotomy treats pupillary block.

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, Selective laser trabeculoplasty. SLT selectively targets pigmented trabecular cells without thermal damage and is repeatable.

Why is "Panretinal photocoagulation" not the answer?

PRP treats proliferative retinopathy.

Why is "Cyclophotocoagulation" not the answer?

Cyclophotocoagulation is for refractory glaucoma.

Why is "Laser peripheral iridotomy" not the answer?

Iridotomy treats pupillary block.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Glaucoma: selective laser trabeculoplasty in Ophthalmology. It is an effective alternative or first-line option for open angle glaucoma. Iridotomy is for angle closure.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Glaucoma: selective laser trabeculoplasty?

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.