Retina: sickle cell retinopathy: 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 · Retina: sickle cell retinopathy

Sample item

A patient with HbSC disease has peripheral retinal neovascularisation in a sea-fan configuration. How should this be managed?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Scatter laser photocoagulation to the ischaemic peripheral retina

Proliferative sickle retinopathy occurs more in HbSC than HbSS and results from peripheral arteriolar occlusion. Scatter laser to the ischaemic retina causes the fronds to regress.

Option by option

  • A. Observation

    Untreated, it can cause vitreous haemorrhage and detachment.

  • B. Blood transfusion alone

    Transfusion does not remove existing neovascularisation.

  • C. Scatter laser photocoagulation to the ischaemic peripheral retina (correct)

    Correct. Laser treats the ischaemic peripheral retina.

  • D. Systemic steroids

    Steroids do not treat neovascularisation.

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, Scatter laser photocoagulation to the ischaemic peripheral retina. Proliferative sickle retinopathy occurs more in HbSC than HbSS and results from peripheral arteriolar occlusion.

Why is "Observation" not the answer?

Untreated, it can cause vitreous haemorrhage and detachment.

Why is "Blood transfusion alone" not the answer?

Transfusion does not remove existing neovascularisation.

Why is "Systemic steroids" not the answer?

Steroids do not treat neovascularisation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina: sickle cell retinopathy in Ophthalmology. Scatter laser to the ischaemic retina causes the fronds to regress.

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 Retina: sickle cell retinopathy?

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.