Lens and cataract: purpose of hydrodissection: 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: purpose of hydrodissection

Sample item

During phacoemulsification, balanced salt solution is injected beneath the anterior capsule edge until a fluid wave passes behind the lens. What is the purpose?

ATo fragment the nucleusBTo separate the cortex and nucleus from the capsuleCTo anaesthetise the anterior chamberDTo dilate the pupil

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. To separate the cortex and nucleus from the capsule

Hydrodissection frees the lens cortex from the capsule so that the nucleus can be rotated and the cortex aspirated more easily. It lowers the zonular stress and the risk of capsule tear during manipulation.

Option by option

A. To fragment the nucleus
Nucleus fragmentation is done by chopping techniques and ultrasound energy.
B. To separate the cortex and nucleus from the capsule (correct)
Correct. The fluid wave separates cortex from the capsule so the nucleus can be mobilised.
C. To anaesthetise the anterior chamber
Anaesthesia is given by topical or intracameral agents, not by this step.
D. To dilate the pupil
Pupil dilation is done with mydriatic drops or intracameral agents.

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.

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is B, To separate the cortex and nucleus from the capsule. Hydrodissection frees the lens cortex from the capsule so that the nucleus can be rotated and the cortex aspirated more easily.

Why is "To fragment the nucleus" not the answer?

Nucleus fragmentation is done by chopping techniques and ultrasound energy.

Why is "To anaesthetise the anterior chamber" not the answer?

Anaesthesia is given by topical or intracameral agents, not by this step.

Why is "To dilate the pupil" not the answer?

Pupil dilation is done with mydriatic drops or intracameral agents.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: purpose of hydrodissection in Ophthalmology. It lowers the zonular stress and the risk of capsule tear during manipulation.

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: purpose of hydrodissection?

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.