Retina: ETDRS CSME definition: 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 · Retina: ETDRS CSME definition

Sample item

According to the ETDRS, which finding defines clinically significant macular oedema?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Retinal thickening within 500 microns of the foveal centre

CSME is retinal thickening at or within 500 microns of the centre of the macula, or hard exudates within 500 microns with adjacent thickening, or a zone of thickening of one disc area or more, any part of which is within one disc diameter of the centre. It is an indication for focal laser in the ETDRS era.

Option by option

  • A. Neovascularisation elsewhere

    NVE defines proliferative disease.

  • B. Any microaneurysm in the posterior pole

    Microaneurysms alone do not define CSME.

  • C. Hard exudates at the periphery only

    Peripheral exudates are not relevant.

  • D. Retinal thickening within 500 microns of the foveal centre (correct)

    Correct. Thickening within 500 microns defines CSME.

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 D, Retinal thickening within 500 microns of the foveal centre. CSME is retinal thickening at or within 500 microns of the centre of the macula, or hard exudates within 500 microns with adjacent thickening, or a zone of thickening of one disc area or more, any part of which is within one disc diameter of the centre.

Why is "Neovascularisation elsewhere" not the answer?

NVE defines proliferative disease.

Why is "Any microaneurysm in the posterior pole" not the answer?

Microaneurysms alone do not define CSME.

Why is "Hard exudates at the periphery only" not the answer?

Peripheral exudates are not relevant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina: ETDRS CSME definition in Ophthalmology. It is an indication for focal laser in the ETDRS era.

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 Retina: ETDRS CSME definition?

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.