Lens and cataract: posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss: 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: posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss

Sample item

During phacoemulsification the posterior capsule ruptures and vitreous presents into the anterior chamber and wound. What is the correct handling of the vitreous?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Anterior vitrectomy with a cutter, using low aspiration

Vitreous in the anterior segment should be removed with a vitreous cutter, using high cut rate and low flow, to avoid traction on the retina. Vitreous strands left to the wound risk retinal tears, cystoid macular oedema and a peaked pupil.

Option by option

  • A. Vigorous irrigation to wash the vitreous away

    Irrigation tends to hydrate and push more vitreous forward.

  • B. Pulling the vitreous out and cutting it at the wound with scissors

    Pulling and cutting at the wound transmits traction to the peripheral retina.

  • C. Closing the wound and leaving the vitreous alone

    Leaving vitreous in the wound causes traction, infection and cystoid macular oedema.

  • D. Anterior vitrectomy with a cutter, using low aspiration (correct)

    Correct. A cutter removes vitreous with minimal traction on the retina.

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, Anterior vitrectomy with a cutter, using low aspiration. Vitreous in the anterior segment should be removed with a vitreous cutter, using high cut rate and low flow, to avoid traction on the retina.

Why is "Vigorous irrigation to wash the vitreous away" not the answer?

Irrigation tends to hydrate and push more vitreous forward.

Why is "Pulling the vitreous out and cutting it at the wound with scissors" not the answer?

Pulling and cutting at the wound transmits traction to the peripheral retina.

Why is "Closing the wound and leaving the vitreous alone" not the answer?

Leaving vitreous in the wound causes traction, infection and cystoid macular oedema.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss in Ophthalmology. Vitreous strands left to the wound risk retinal tears, cystoid macular oedema and a peaked pupil.

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 Lens and cataract: posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss?

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.