Uvea: dexamethasone implant: 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 · Uvea: dexamethasone implant

Sample item

A pseudophakic patient has persistent uveitic macular oedema despite topical therapy, and repeated systemic steroids are poorly tolerated. Which local option can be used?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Intravitreal sustained-release dexamethasone implant

A biodegradable intravitreal dexamethasone implant delivers steroid to the macula for months and reduces uveitic macular oedema. Caution is needed for raised IOP, and cataract in phakic eyes. Antibiotics, laser and cycloplegics do not treat inflammatory oedema.

Option by option

  • A. Topical atropine drops

    Atropine relieves ciliary spasm and does not resolve macular oedema.

  • B. Intravitreal gentamicin

    Intravitreal gentamicin is toxic to the retina and not an anti-inflammatory.

  • C. Intravitreal sustained-release dexamethasone implant (correct)

    Correct. Local sustained steroid reduces macular oedema with fewer systemic effects.

  • D. Panretinal photocoagulation

    Panretinal photocoagulation treats ischaemia, not inflammatory macular oedema.

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, Intravitreal sustained-release dexamethasone implant. A biodegradable intravitreal dexamethasone implant delivers steroid to the macula for months and reduces uveitic macular oedema.

Why is "Topical atropine drops" not the answer?

Atropine relieves ciliary spasm and does not resolve macular oedema.

Why is "Intravitreal gentamicin" not the answer?

Intravitreal gentamicin is toxic to the retina and not an anti-inflammatory.

Why is "Panretinal photocoagulation" not the answer?

Panretinal photocoagulation treats ischaemia, not inflammatory macular oedema.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Uvea: dexamethasone implant in Ophthalmology. Caution is needed for raised IOP, and cataract in phakic eyes. Antibiotics, laser and cycloplegics do not treat inflammatory oedema.

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 Uvea: dexamethasone implant?

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.