Lens and cataract: hypocalcaemic cataract: 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 · Lens and cataract: hypocalcaemic cataract

Sample item

A 38-year-old woman with long-standing hypoparathyroidism and recurrent carpopedal spasm is found to have bilateral cataracts. What is the usual morphology?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Punctate cortical opacities with a clear lens between

Chronic hypocalcaemia produces small discrete punctate or flake-like opacities in the anterior and posterior cortex, with clear lens in between. Correcting calcium may stop progression, though established opacities remain.

Option by option

  • A. Sunflower-shaped anterior capsular deposits

    Sunflower cataract is seen with chalcosis and copper deposition.

  • B. Posterior polar plaque with a cuneiform edge

    A posterior polar plaque is a congenital or radiation-related lens change.

  • C. Christmas-tree iridescent crystals

    Christmas-tree cataract with iridescent crystals is seen in myotonic dystrophy.

  • D. Punctate cortical opacities with a clear lens between (correct)

    Correct. Small cortical punctate opacities are typical of hypocalcaemia.

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, Punctate cortical opacities with a clear lens between. Chronic hypocalcaemia produces small discrete punctate or flake-like opacities in the anterior and posterior cortex, with clear lens in between.

Why is "Sunflower-shaped anterior capsular deposits" not the answer?

Sunflower cataract is seen with chalcosis and copper deposition.

Why is "Posterior polar plaque with a cuneiform edge" not the answer?

A posterior polar plaque is a congenital or radiation-related lens change.

Why is "Christmas-tree iridescent crystals" not the answer?

Christmas-tree cataract with iridescent crystals is seen in myotonic dystrophy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: hypocalcaemic cataract in Ophthalmology. Correcting calcium may stop progression, though established opacities remain.

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 Lens and cataract: hypocalcaemic cataract?

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.