Optic neuritis: clinical: 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 · Optic neuritis: clinical

Sample item

A 28-year-old woman has painful loss of vision in one eye that worsens on eye movement, with a normal disc, a relative afferent pupillary defect and impaired colour vision. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Retrobulbar optic neuritis

Retrobulbar neuritis shows a normal disc initially because the inflammation lies behind the globe. Visual loss, colour desaturation and pain on movement are typical, and the condition is commonly associated with multiple sclerosis.

Option by option

  • A. Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy

    AION occurs in older patients with disc swelling.

  • B. Central retinal vein occlusion

    CRVO shows haemorrhages.

  • C. Acute angle closure

    Angle closure has a red eye and high pressure.

  • D. Retrobulbar optic neuritis (correct)

    Correct. Pain on movement with a normal disc and RAPD is characteristic.

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 D, Retrobulbar optic neuritis. Retrobulbar neuritis shows a normal disc initially because the inflammation lies behind the globe.

Why is "Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy" not the answer?

AION occurs in older patients with disc swelling.

Why is "Central retinal vein occlusion" not the answer?

CRVO shows haemorrhages.

Why is "Acute angle closure" not the answer?

Angle closure has a red eye and high pressure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Optic neuritis: clinical in Ophthalmology. Visual loss, colour desaturation and pain on movement are typical, and the condition is commonly associated with multiple sclerosis.

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 Optic neuritis: clinical?

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.