Retina: side effects of panretinal photocoagulation: 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 · Retina: side effects of panretinal photocoagulation

Sample item

A diabetic patient with high-risk proliferative retinopathy has just completed panretinal photocoagulation. Which complaint should he be told to expect because of the treatment?

AReduced night vision and some constriction of the peripheral visual fieldBSudden proptosis from orbital oedemaCLoss of central vision from foveal burns in all patientsDPermanent loss of colour vision in the peripheral field

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Reduced night vision and some constriction of the peripheral visual field

Panretinal photocoagulation destroys peripheral retina to cut off VEGF production, so some peripheral field and dark adaptation are traded for protection of the central vision. Other recognised effects are transient macular oedema and a rise of intraocular pressure. Patients need counselling before treatment.

Option by option

A. Reduced night vision and some constriction of the peripheral visual field (correct)
Correct. Peripheral field loss and poorer night vision follow treatment of the peripheral retina.
B. Sudden proptosis from orbital oedema
Orbital oedema and proptosis are not effects of retinal laser.
C. Loss of central vision from foveal burns in all patients
Foveal burns are an avoidable technical complication, not an expected effect.
D. Permanent loss of colour vision in the peripheral field
Colour vision depends on the macula and is not lost from peripheral treatment.

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 A, Reduced night vision and some constriction of the peripheral visual field. Panretinal photocoagulation destroys peripheral retina to cut off VEGF production, so some peripheral field and dark adaptation are traded for protection of the central vision.

Why is "Sudden proptosis from orbital oedema" not the answer?

Orbital oedema and proptosis are not effects of retinal laser.

Why is "Loss of central vision from foveal burns in all patients" not the answer?

Foveal burns are an avoidable technical complication, not an expected effect.

Why is "Permanent loss of colour vision in the peripheral field" not the answer?

Colour vision depends on the macula and is not lost from peripheral treatment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina: side effects of panretinal photocoagulation in Ophthalmology. Other recognised effects are transient macular oedema and a rise of intraocular pressure. Patients need counselling before treatment.

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 Retina: side effects of panretinal photocoagulation?

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.