Glaucoma: POAG disc changes: 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 · Glaucoma: POAG disc changes

Sample item

Which optic disc finding is most suggestive of primary open-angle glaucoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Increased cup-disc ratio with focal notching of the neuroretinal rim

Glaucomatous damage causes loss of the neuroretinal rim, vertical enlargement of the cup and notching, usually inferior or superior. Asymmetry of cup size between the two eyes is also suspicious.

Option by option

  • A. Increased cup-disc ratio with focal notching of the neuroretinal rim (correct)

    Correct. Rim loss and notching define glaucomatous cupping.

  • B. Pale disc with blurred margins

    Pallor with blurring suggests optic atrophy after oedema.

  • C. Hyperaemic disc with elevated margins

    Hyperaemia with elevation suggests papilloedema.

  • D. Disc drusen

    Drusen give a lumpy disc, not cupping.

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, Increased cup-disc ratio with focal notching of the neuroretinal rim. Glaucomatous damage causes loss of the neuroretinal rim, vertical enlargement of the cup and notching, usually inferior or superior.

Why is "Pale disc with blurred margins" not the answer?

Pallor with blurring suggests optic atrophy after oedema.

Why is "Hyperaemic disc with elevated margins" not the answer?

Hyperaemia with elevation suggests papilloedema.

Why is "Disc drusen" not the answer?

Drusen give a lumpy disc, not cupping.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Glaucoma: POAG disc changes in Ophthalmology. Asymmetry of cup size between the two eyes is also suspicious.

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 Glaucoma: POAG disc changes?

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.