Uvea: steroid choice in steroid responders: 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 · Uvea: steroid choice in steroid responders

Sample item

Which topical corticosteroid has the least tendency to raise intraocular pressure, at the cost of weaker anti-inflammatory action?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Fluorometholone

Fluorometholone penetrates the anterior chamber poorly and has less tendency to raise pressure, so it is useful for mild inflammation in steroid responders. Potent agents such as dexamethasone, betamethasone and prednisolone raise pressure more often.

Option by option

  • A. Betamethasone 0.1 percent

    Betamethasone is a potent steroid with a marked tendency to raise pressure.

  • B. Dexamethasone 0.1 percent

    Dexamethasone is a potent steroid with a marked tendency to raise pressure.

  • C. Fluorometholone (correct)

    Correct. Fluorometholone is less likely to raise pressure but is also less potent.

  • D. Prednisolone acetate 1 percent

    Prednisolone acetate penetrates well and can raise pressure in responders.

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 C, Fluorometholone. Fluorometholone penetrates the anterior chamber poorly and has less tendency to raise pressure, so it is useful for mild inflammation in steroid responders.

Why is "Betamethasone 0.1 percent" not the answer?

Betamethasone is a potent steroid with a marked tendency to raise pressure.

Why is "Dexamethasone 0.1 percent" not the answer?

Dexamethasone is a potent steroid with a marked tendency to raise pressure.

Why is "Prednisolone acetate 1 percent" not the answer?

Prednisolone acetate penetrates well and can raise pressure in responders.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Uvea: steroid choice in steroid responders in Ophthalmology. Potent agents such as dexamethasone, betamethasone and prednisolone raise pressure more often.

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 Uvea: steroid choice in steroid responders?

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.