Glaucoma: 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

Sample item

Why is primary open-angle glaucoma often detected late?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Peripheral field loss develops gradually and painlessly

Primary open-angle glaucoma usually damages retinal ganglion cells slowly and painlessly, initially affecting peripheral visual fields while central acuity may remain good, making screening and regular monitoring important for at-risk patients.

Option by option

  • A. It always produces visible external redness

    External redness is not a typical feature of chronic open-angle glaucoma.

  • B. Central acuity is lost before any field change

    Central acuity may remain preserved until later stages.

  • C. Peripheral field loss develops gradually and painlessly (correct)

    Correct: gradual painless peripheral loss can go unnoticed.

  • D. It causes severe early eye pain in everyone

    Severe early pain is characteristic of acute angle closure, not typical open-angle disease.

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.

More Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Peripheral field loss develops gradually and painlessly. Primary open-angle glaucoma usually damages retinal ganglion cells slowly and painlessly, initially affecting peripheral visual fields while central acuity may remain good, making screening and regular monitoring important for at-risk patients.

Why is "It always produces visible external redness" not the answer?

External redness is not a typical feature of chronic open-angle glaucoma.

Why is "Central acuity is lost before any field change" not the answer?

Central acuity may remain preserved until later stages.

Why is "It causes severe early eye pain in everyone" not the answer?

Severe early pain is characteristic of acute angle closure, not typical open-angle disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Glaucoma in Ophthalmology. The correct option holds because: Correct: gradual painless peripheral loss can go unnoticed.

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?

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.