Lacrimal: dacryocystitis: 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 · Lacrimal: dacryocystitis

Sample item

An adult woman has a painful red swelling below the medial canthus with watering. What is the definitive treatment of chronic dacryocystitis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Dacryocystorhinostomy

Chronic dacryocystitis follows nasolacrimal duct obstruction with stagnation of tears, and DCR creates a new drainage path from the sac to the nose. Acute attacks are treated with systemic antibiotics first.

Option by option

  • A. Topical steroids

    Steroids do not treat infection.

  • B. Eyelid surgery

    Lid surgery is not needed.

  • C. Dacryocystorhinostomy (correct)

    Correct. DCR bypasses the obstruction.

  • D. Repeated syringing

    Syringing does not solve the block.

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, Dacryocystorhinostomy. Chronic dacryocystitis follows nasolacrimal duct obstruction with stagnation of tears, and DCR creates a new drainage path from the sac to the nose.

Why is "Topical steroids" not the answer?

Steroids do not treat infection.

Why is "Eyelid surgery" not the answer?

Lid surgery is not needed.

Why is "Repeated syringing" not the answer?

Syringing does not solve the block.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lacrimal: dacryocystitis in Ophthalmology. Acute attacks are treated with systemic antibiotics first.

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 Lacrimal: dacryocystitis?

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.