Diabetic retinopathy: macular oedema: 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 · Diabetic retinopathy: macular oedema

Sample item

A diabetic has centre-involving macular oedema and 6/18 vision. What is the first-line treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections

Anti-VEGF agents such as ranibizumab or bevacizumab are first-line for centre-involving diabetic macular oedema. Focal or grid laser is used for non-centre-involving leakage.

Option by option

  • A. Oral steroids

    Systemic steroids are not recommended.

  • B. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (correct)

    Correct. Anti-VEGF improves vision in DME.

  • C. Observation only

    Treatment is warranted for reduced vision.

  • D. Panretinal photocoagulation

    PRP does not treat macular oedema and may worsen it.

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 B, Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Anti-VEGF agents such as ranibizumab or bevacizumab are first-line for centre-involving diabetic macular oedema.

Why is "Oral steroids" not the answer?

Systemic steroids are not recommended.

Why is "Observation only" not the answer?

Treatment is warranted for reduced vision.

Why is "Panretinal photocoagulation" not the answer?

PRP does not treat macular oedema and may worsen it.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Diabetic retinopathy: macular oedema in Ophthalmology. Focal or grid laser is used for non-centre-involving leakage.

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 Diabetic retinopathy: macular oedema?

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.