Lens and cataract: intracameral antibiotic prophylaxis: 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: intracameral antibiotic prophylaxis

Sample item

In a large multicentre European trial of cataract surgery, which prophylactic measure significantly reduced the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Intracameral cefuroxime at the end of surgery

The ESCRS study found about a fivefold reduction in endophthalmitis with intracameral cefuroxime. Povidone iodine antisepsis of the conjunctival sac and periocular skin is also essential.

Option by option

  • A. Preoperative topical steroid

    Topical steroids reduce inflammation, not bacterial infection.

  • B. Intracameral cefuroxime at the end of surgery (correct)

    Correct. Intracameral cefuroxime lowered the endophthalmitis rate in this trial.

  • C. Preoperative oral ciprofloxacin

    Oral antibiotics before surgery did not show such an effect.

  • D. Postoperative eye patching

    Patching does not prevent endophthalmitis.

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, Intracameral cefuroxime at the end of surgery. The ESCRS study found about a fivefold reduction in endophthalmitis with intracameral cefuroxime.

Why is "Preoperative topical steroid" not the answer?

Topical steroids reduce inflammation, not bacterial infection.

Why is "Preoperative oral ciprofloxacin" not the answer?

Oral antibiotics before surgery did not show such an effect.

Why is "Postoperative eye patching" not the answer?

Patching does not prevent endophthalmitis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: intracameral antibiotic prophylaxis in Ophthalmology. Povidone iodine antisepsis of the conjunctival sac and periocular skin is also essential.

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: intracameral antibiotic prophylaxis?

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.