Cataract: posterior subcapsular: 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 · Cataract: posterior subcapsular

Sample item

A patient on long-term oral prednisolone develops reduced vision in bright light and poor near vision. Which cataract is typical?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Posterior subcapsular

Posterior subcapsular opacities lie in the visual axis, so the pupil constriction in bright light and during near work reduces vision. Steroids, diabetes, radiation and uveitis predispose to this type.

Option by option

  • A. Anterior polar

    Anterior polar cataracts are small and congenital.

  • B. Posterior subcapsular (correct)

    Correct. Steroid use classically produces posterior subcapsular cataract.

  • C. Nuclear

    Nuclear cataracts are linked to ageing and smoking.

  • D. Sutural

    Sutural cataracts are congenital.

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.

More Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is B, Posterior subcapsular. Posterior subcapsular opacities lie in the visual axis, so the pupil constriction in bright light and during near work reduces vision.

Why is "Anterior polar" not the answer?

Anterior polar cataracts are small and congenital.

Why is "Nuclear" not the answer?

Nuclear cataracts are linked to ageing and smoking.

Why is "Sutural" not the answer?

Sutural cataracts are congenital.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cataract: posterior subcapsular in Ophthalmology. Steroids, diabetes, radiation and uveitis predispose to this type.

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 Cataract: posterior subcapsular?

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.