Cornea: disciform keratitis: 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 · Cornea: disciform keratitis

Sample item

A patient with prior herpetic keratitis has a central disc-shaped stromal oedema with keratic precipitates and an intact epithelium. What is the mainstay of treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Topical steroids with antiviral cover

Disciform keratitis is an immune endotheliitis and stromal reaction to herpes antigens. Topical steroids reduce inflammation and are given under antiviral cover.

Option by option

  • A. Antifungal drops

    There is no fungal element.

  • B. Debridement of the epithelium

    Debridement is used in dendritic ulcers, not disciform disease.

  • C. Topical steroids with antiviral cover (correct)

    Correct. Steroids with antiviral prophylaxis are standard.

  • D. Topical antiviral alone, avoiding steroids

    Antiviral alone is insufficient for the immune-mediated process.

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, Topical steroids with antiviral cover. Disciform keratitis is an immune endotheliitis and stromal reaction to herpes antigens.

Why is "Antifungal drops" not the answer?

There is no fungal element.

Why is "Debridement of the epithelium" not the answer?

Debridement is used in dendritic ulcers, not disciform disease.

Why is "Topical antiviral alone, avoiding steroids" not the answer?

Antiviral alone is insufficient for the immune-mediated process.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cornea: disciform keratitis in Ophthalmology. Topical steroids reduce inflammation and are given under antiviral cover.

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 Cornea: disciform keratitis?

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.