Anatomy and physiology of the eye: lacrimal drainage test: 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 · Anatomy and physiology of the eye: lacrimal drainage test

Sample item

An adult with watering of one eye has patent puncta, and on syringing the fluid passes into the nose. Fluorescein dye placed in the conjunctival sac is still seen in the eye after five minutes. What is the finding called?

APositive Schirmer test resultBPositive Seidel test resultCPositive regurgitation test resultDDelayed dye disappearance test result

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Delayed dye disappearance test result

In the fluorescein dye disappearance test, normal tear drainage clears the dye within a few minutes, and retention indicates a functional or partial obstruction of lacrimal drainage. It is useful when syringing is patent. Regurgitation shows sac or duct obstruction.

Option by option

A. Positive Schirmer test result
The Schirmer test measures tear secretion on a strip.
B. Positive Seidel test result
The Seidel test shows aqueous leaking from a corneal wound.
C. Positive regurgitation test result
A positive regurgitation test needs reflux from the sac on pressure.
D. Delayed dye disappearance test result (correct)
Correct. Prolonged dye retention shows impaired drainage despite a patent syringing.

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.

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Delayed dye disappearance test result. In the fluorescein dye disappearance test, normal tear drainage clears the dye within a few minutes, and retention indicates a functional or partial obstruction of lacrimal drainage.

Why is "Positive Schirmer test result" not the answer?

The Schirmer test measures tear secretion on a strip.

Why is "Positive Seidel test result" not the answer?

The Seidel test shows aqueous leaking from a corneal wound.

Why is "Positive regurgitation test result" not the answer?

A positive regurgitation test needs reflux from the sac on pressure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy and physiology of the eye: lacrimal drainage test in Ophthalmology. It is useful when syringing is patent. Regurgitation shows sac or duct obstruction.

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 Anatomy and physiology of the eye: lacrimal drainage test?

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.