Conjunctiva and cornea: acute ocular Stevens-Johnson syndrome: 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 · Conjunctiva and cornea: acute ocular Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Sample item

A young man two weeks after starting a sulphonamide has mucocutaneous blisters, with pseudomembranes on both conjunctivae and early adhesion of the lids to the globe. Which early measure best reduces later symblepharon and limbal damage?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Amniotic membrane transplantation with lubricants

In acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome, amniotic membrane grafting, lysis of adhesions, lubricants and treatment of infection reduce inflammation and prevent cicatrisation. Keratoplasty is a late option for scarring, after the surface is stabilised.

Option by option

  • A. Topical antifungal drops

    Antifungal drops treat fungal keratitis, which is not present here.

  • B. Amniotic membrane transplantation with lubricants (correct)

    Correct. Early amniotic membrane covers the surface and limits scarring.

  • C. Punctal plugs

    Plugs treat aqueous deficiency and would not prevent symblepharon.

  • D. Penetrating keratoplasty

    Keratoplasty on an inflamed, stem-cell-deficient surface fails and is not an acute measure.

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, Amniotic membrane transplantation with lubricants. In acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome, amniotic membrane grafting, lysis of adhesions, lubricants and treatment of infection reduce inflammation and prevent cicatrisation.

Why is "Topical antifungal drops" not the answer?

Antifungal drops treat fungal keratitis, which is not present here.

Why is "Punctal plugs" not the answer?

Plugs treat aqueous deficiency and would not prevent symblepharon.

Why is "Penetrating keratoplasty" not the answer?

Keratoplasty on an inflamed, stem-cell-deficient surface fails and is not an acute measure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Conjunctiva and cornea: acute ocular Stevens-Johnson syndrome in Ophthalmology. Keratoplasty is a late option for scarring, after the surface is stabilised.

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 Conjunctiva and cornea: acute ocular Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

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.