Retina: choroidal detachment: 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 · Retina: choroidal detachment

Sample item

Two days after glaucoma filtering surgery, a patient has a very low intraocular pressure, a shallow anterior chamber and, on fundoscopy, smooth, dark brown, convex elevations in the periphery. What is the likely cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Serous choroidal detachment from hypotony

Hypotony after filtration surgery lets fluid collect in the suprachoroidal space, giving a smooth, brown, dome-shaped choroidal detachment that does not extend to the disc. It usually resolves when the leak is controlled. Retinal detachments are translucent and mobile, with folds.

Option by option

  • A. Vitreous haemorrhage

    Vitreous haemorrhage clouds the view and does not make brown domes.

  • B. Choroidal melanoma

    Melanoma is a solitary mass and does not appear as smooth peripheral domes with low pressure.

  • C. Serous choroidal detachment from hypotony (correct)

    Correct. Hypotony produces serous suprachoroidal fluid and smooth brown domes.

  • D. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

    Retinal detachment is a pale, corrugated and mobile elevation with a break.

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, Serous choroidal detachment from hypotony. Hypotony after filtration surgery lets fluid collect in the suprachoroidal space, giving a smooth, brown, dome-shaped choroidal detachment that does not extend to the disc.

Why is "Vitreous haemorrhage" not the answer?

Vitreous haemorrhage clouds the view and does not make brown domes.

Why is "Choroidal melanoma" not the answer?

Melanoma is a solitary mass and does not appear as smooth peripheral domes with low pressure.

Why is "Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment" not the answer?

Retinal detachment is a pale, corrugated and mobile elevation with a break.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina: choroidal detachment in Ophthalmology. It usually resolves when the leak is controlled. Retinal detachments are translucent and mobile, with folds.

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 Retina: choroidal detachment?

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.