Refraction: astigmatism: 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 · Refraction: astigmatism

Sample item

In regular astigmatism with the rule, which meridian of the cornea is steeper?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Vertical meridian

With-the-rule astigmatism has greater vertical meridional power and is corrected with plus cylinder at 90 degrees. It is the commonest type in young people, with against-the-rule becoming more common with age.

Option by option

  • A. Vertical meridian (correct)

    Correct. The vertical meridian is steeper.

  • B. Oblique meridian at 45 degrees

    An oblique axis is oblique astigmatism.

  • C. Both meridians equally

    Equal meridians give no astigmatism.

  • D. Horizontal meridian

    A steeper horizontal meridian is against-the-rule.

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 A, Vertical meridian. With-the-rule astigmatism has greater vertical meridional power and is corrected with plus cylinder at 90 degrees.

Why is "Oblique meridian at 45 degrees" not the answer?

An oblique axis is oblique astigmatism.

Why is "Both meridians equally" not the answer?

Equal meridians give no astigmatism.

Why is "Horizontal meridian" not the answer?

A steeper horizontal meridian is against-the-rule.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Refraction: astigmatism in Ophthalmology. It is the commonest type in young people, with against-the-rule becoming more common with age.

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 Refraction: astigmatism?

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.