Lens and cataract: phenothiazine deposits: 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.

Try it

Ophthalmology · Lens and cataract: phenothiazine deposits

Sample item

A man on long-term high-dose chlorpromazine for schizophrenia shows fine stellate pigment deposits on the anterior lens capsule. How are these best described?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Star-shaped anterior subcapsular pigmentation

Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazines can deposit granular pigment beneath the anterior lens capsule in a stellate pattern in the pupillary zone, often with corneal deposits. Vision is rarely affected, but the dose and duration should be reviewed.

Option by option

  • A. Star-shaped anterior subcapsular pigmentation (correct)

    Correct. Stellate anterior subcapsular pigment is characteristic.

  • B. Anterior polar white spot

    An anterior polar spot is a congenital developmental anomaly.

  • C. Oil-droplet central reflex

    An oil-droplet reflex indicates lenticonus.

  • D. Posterior subcapsular plaque

    Posterior subcapsular plaques are typical of steroids and radiation.

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 A, Star-shaped anterior subcapsular pigmentation. Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazines can deposit granular pigment beneath the anterior lens capsule in a stellate pattern in the pupillary zone, often with corneal deposits.

Why is "Anterior polar white spot" not the answer?

An anterior polar spot is a congenital developmental anomaly.

Why is "Oil-droplet central reflex" not the answer?

An oil-droplet reflex indicates lenticonus.

Why is "Posterior subcapsular plaque" not the answer?

Posterior subcapsular plaques are typical of steroids and radiation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: phenothiazine deposits in Ophthalmology. Vision is rarely affected, but the dose and duration should be reviewed.

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: phenothiazine deposits?

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.