Lens and cataract: pre-operative ultrasound: 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 · Lens and cataract: pre-operative ultrasound

Sample item

A 70-year-old high myope has a dense brunescent cataract that prevents any fundus view. Which investigation is essential before surgery?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. B-scan ultrasonography

B-scan examines the posterior segment through opaque media, excluding retinal detachment, tumour or posterior staphyloma. This changes the prognosis and consent. Angiography needs a clear view, and the other tests assess the endothelium or lacrimal system.

Option by option

  • A. B-scan ultrasonography (correct)

    Correct. B-scan screens the posterior segment through opaque media.

  • B. Specular microscopy

    Specular microscopy examines endothelial cells and will not detect a detachment.

  • C. Dacryocystography

    Dacryocystography images the lacrimal passage and is unrelated.

  • D. Fundus fluorescein angiography

    Fluorescein angiography needs clear media to image the retina.

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.

More Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is A, B-scan ultrasonography. B-scan examines the posterior segment through opaque media, excluding retinal detachment, tumour or posterior staphyloma.

Why is "Specular microscopy" not the answer?

Specular microscopy examines endothelial cells and will not detect a detachment.

Why is "Dacryocystography" not the answer?

Dacryocystography images the lacrimal passage and is unrelated.

Why is "Fundus fluorescein angiography" not the answer?

Fluorescein angiography needs clear media to image the retina.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: pre-operative ultrasound in Ophthalmology. This changes the prognosis and consent. Angiography needs a clear view, and the other tests assess the endothelium or lacrimal system.

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 Lens and cataract: pre-operative ultrasound?

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.