Glaucoma: indentation gonioscopy: 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 · Glaucoma: indentation gonioscopy

Sample item

On static gonioscopy the angle of an eye appears closed. When the cornea is gently indented with a four-mirror lens, the iris falls back and the trabecular meshwork becomes visible. What does this show?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Appositional closure without peripheral anterior synechiae

Indentation pushes aqueous toward the angle periphery and opens an angle that is merely appositionally closed. If the iris stays stuck, synechial closure is present, which does not respond to iridotomy alone. The distinction guides whether laser or filtering surgery is needed.

Option by option

  • A. Angle recession

    Angle recession shows a widened ciliary body band, not a closed angle.

  • B. Appositional closure without peripheral anterior synechiae (correct)

    Correct. A closure that opens on indentation is appositional, not synechial.

  • C. Permanent synechial closure

    Synechiae do not release with indentation.

  • D. Neovascularisation of the angle

    New vessels would be seen crossing the scleral spur, not an opening on indentation.

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, Appositional closure without peripheral anterior synechiae. Indentation pushes aqueous toward the angle periphery and opens an angle that is merely appositionally closed.

Why is "Angle recession" not the answer?

Angle recession shows a widened ciliary body band, not a closed angle.

Why is "Permanent synechial closure" not the answer?

Synechiae do not release with indentation.

Why is "Neovascularisation of the angle" not the answer?

New vessels would be seen crossing the scleral spur, not an opening on indentation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Glaucoma: indentation gonioscopy in Ophthalmology. If the iris stays stuck, synechial closure is present, which does not respond to iridotomy alone. The distinction guides whether laser or filtering surgery is needed.

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 Glaucoma: indentation gonioscopy?

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.