Corneal ulcer: hypopyon: 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 · Corneal ulcer: hypopyon

Sample item

Hypopyon in an ulcer with sterile aqueous is explained by which mechanism?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Toxins diffusing into the anterior chamber producing sterile inflammation

In a typical bacterial corneal ulcer, toxins pass through the cornea and cause an inflammatory cell collection that is initially sterile. Hypopyon with an intact Descemet's membrane is usually sterile, but in fungal ulcers organisms may penetrate.

Option by option

  • A. Bacteria multiplying in the anterior chamber

    Bacteria are not usually found in the aqueous unless the cornea is perforated.

  • B. Toxins diffusing into the anterior chamber producing sterile inflammation (correct)

    Correct. The pus is sterile in most bacterial ulcers with intact Descemet's membrane.

  • C. Lens protein leakage

    Lens protein leakage causes phacoantigenic uveitis.

  • D. Haemorrhage layering inferiorly

    Blood layering is hyphaema, not hypopyon.

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, Toxins diffusing into the anterior chamber producing sterile inflammation. In a typical bacterial corneal ulcer, toxins pass through the cornea and cause an inflammatory cell collection that is initially sterile.

Why is "Bacteria multiplying in the anterior chamber" not the answer?

Bacteria are not usually found in the aqueous unless the cornea is perforated.

Why is "Lens protein leakage" not the answer?

Lens protein leakage causes phacoantigenic uveitis.

Why is "Haemorrhage layering inferiorly" not the answer?

Blood layering is hyphaema, not hypopyon.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Corneal ulcer: hypopyon in Ophthalmology. Hypopyon with an intact Descemet's membrane is usually sterile, but in fungal ulcers organisms may penetrate.

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 Corneal ulcer: hypopyon?

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.