Glaucoma: visual field defects: 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: visual field defects

Sample item

Which is the earliest typical field defect in glaucoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Paracentral scotoma or nasal step

Early glaucoma produces isolated paracentral scotomas that coalesce into an arcuate Bjerrum scotoma and a nasal step. Central vision is preserved until late, producing tunnel vision.

Option by option

  • A. Central scotoma

    Central scotoma suggests macular or optic nerve disease.

  • B. Bitemporal hemianopia

    Bitemporal hemianopia suggests chiasmal compression.

  • C. Complete homonymous hemianopia

    Homonymous defects suggest retrochiasmal lesions.

  • D. Paracentral scotoma or nasal step (correct)

    Correct. Paracentral defects and nasal step come first.

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 D, Paracentral scotoma or nasal step. Early glaucoma produces isolated paracentral scotomas that coalesce into an arcuate Bjerrum scotoma and a nasal step.

Why is "Central scotoma" not the answer?

Central scotoma suggests macular or optic nerve disease.

Why is "Bitemporal hemianopia" not the answer?

Bitemporal hemianopia suggests chiasmal compression.

Why is "Complete homonymous hemianopia" not the answer?

Homonymous defects suggest retrochiasmal lesions.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Glaucoma: visual field defects in Ophthalmology. Central vision is preserved until late, producing tunnel vision.

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: visual field defects?

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.