Pharmacology: mydriatics and glaucoma: 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: mydriatics and glaucoma

Sample item

What is the safest approach to pupil dilation in a patient with an occludable angle?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Avoid dilation unless a peripheral iridotomy is done

Dilatation of a narrow angle can precipitate acute closure by increasing pupillary block. Gonioscopy should precede dilation, and an iridotomy is considered when the angle is occludable.

Option by option

  • A. Avoid dilation unless a peripheral iridotomy is done (correct)

    Correct. Dilation is deferred until risk is addressed.

  • B. Cyclopentolate 1 percent

    Cyclopentolate also dilates for long periods.

  • C. Tropicamide 1 percent with no precautions

    Even short-acting mydriatics can precipitate closure.

  • D. Atropine 1 percent

    Atropine is the most dangerous option.

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 A, Avoid dilation unless a peripheral iridotomy is done. Dilatation of a narrow angle can precipitate acute closure by increasing pupillary block.

Why is "Cyclopentolate 1 percent" not the answer?

Cyclopentolate also dilates for long periods.

Why is "Tropicamide 1 percent with no precautions" not the answer?

Even short-acting mydriatics can precipitate closure.

Why is "Atropine 1 percent" not the answer?

Atropine is the most dangerous option.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharmacology: mydriatics and glaucoma in Ophthalmology. Gonioscopy should precede dilation, and an iridotomy is considered when the angle is occludable.

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 Pharmacology: mydriatics and glaucoma?

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.