Lens and cataract: primary posterior capsulotomy in children: 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: primary posterior capsulotomy in children

Sample item

During surgery for a congenital cataract in a 3-year-old, the surgeon also performs a posterior capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy. What is the main reason?

ATo avoid the need for an intraocular lensBTo prevent retinal detachmentCTo lower the intraocular pressureDTo prevent visual axis opacification

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. To prevent visual axis opacification

Lens epithelial cells in children proliferate vigorously, and an intact posterior capsule soon opacifies, delaying visual rehabilitation in the amblyopia-prone period. Opening the capsule and removing anterior vitreous keeps the visual axis clear.

Option by option

A. To avoid the need for an intraocular lens
An IOL can still be implanted alongside the capsulotomy.
B. To prevent retinal detachment
They do not prevent retinal detachment, which is a possible later complication.
C. To lower the intraocular pressure
These steps do not lower the intraocular pressure.
D. To prevent visual axis opacification (correct)
Correct. The aim is to prevent early opacification of the visual axis.

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 D, To prevent visual axis opacification. Lens epithelial cells in children proliferate vigorously, and an intact posterior capsule soon opacifies, delaying visual rehabilitation in the amblyopia-prone period.

Why is "To avoid the need for an intraocular lens" not the answer?

An IOL can still be implanted alongside the capsulotomy.

Why is "To prevent retinal detachment" not the answer?

They do not prevent retinal detachment, which is a possible later complication.

Why is "To lower the intraocular pressure" not the answer?

These steps do not lower the intraocular pressure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: primary posterior capsulotomy in children in Ophthalmology. Opening the capsule and removing anterior vitreous keeps the visual axis clear.

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: primary posterior capsulotomy in children?

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.