Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: treatment: 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 · Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: treatment

Sample item

Which drug is most useful as a steroid-sparing agent in severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Topical cyclosporine

Topical cyclosporine or tacrolimus reduces the need for steroids and their complications. Mast cell stabilisers and antihistamines are used for milder disease.

Option by option

  • A. Topical timolol

    Timolol is an antiglaucoma drug.

  • B. Topical cyclosporine (correct)

    Correct. Cyclosporine is an effective steroid-sparing immunomodulator.

  • C. Topical atropine

    Atropine is a cycloplegic and does not treat allergy.

  • D. Topical natamycin

    Natamycin is an antifungal.

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, Topical cyclosporine. Topical cyclosporine or tacrolimus reduces the need for steroids and their complications.

Why is "Topical timolol" not the answer?

Timolol is an antiglaucoma drug.

Why is "Topical atropine" not the answer?

Atropine is a cycloplegic and does not treat allergy.

Why is "Topical natamycin" not the answer?

Natamycin is an antifungal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: treatment in Ophthalmology. Mast cell stabilisers and antihistamines are used for milder disease.

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 Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: treatment?

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.