Pharmacology: steroids: 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 · Pharmacology: steroids

Sample item

Which is the most likely complication of prolonged topical steroid use in the eye?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Posterior subcapsular cataract and raised IOP

Steroids cause posterior subcapsular cataract, steroid-induced glaucoma, delayed wound healing and reactivation of herpes or fungal infection. IOP should be monitored in prolonged therapy.

Option by option

  • A. Optic atrophy only

    Optic atrophy is a late result of glaucoma.

  • B. Corneal vascularisation

    Vascularisation is not typical.

  • C. Retinal detachment

    Detachment is not a steroid complication.

  • D. Posterior subcapsular cataract and raised IOP (correct)

    Correct. These are the classic complications.

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, Posterior subcapsular cataract and raised IOP. Steroids cause posterior subcapsular cataract, steroid-induced glaucoma, delayed wound healing and reactivation of herpes or fungal infection.

Why is "Optic atrophy only" not the answer?

Optic atrophy is a late result of glaucoma.

Why is "Corneal vascularisation" not the answer?

Vascularisation is not typical.

Why is "Retinal detachment" not the answer?

Detachment is not a steroid complication.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharmacology: steroids in Ophthalmology. IOP should be monitored in prolonged therapy.

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 Pharmacology: steroids?

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.