Retina: commotio retinae: 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: commotio retinae

Sample item

A cricketer is hit by a ball and has vision of 6/18 with a grey-white cloudiness of the posterior retina with a normal choroid. What is the expected course?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Resolution over weeks, with possible residual pigment change

Commotio retinae is outer retinal swelling after blunt injury and usually clears over weeks, though pigment changes or a macular hole can remain. Observation is the standard approach. It does not need laser or surgery in the acute phase.

Option by option

  • A. Permanent blindness in all cases

    Visual loss is often partially or fully recovered, not permanent in all.

  • B. Urgent laser needed within hours

    Laser has no role in acute commotio retinae.

  • C. Vitrectomy within a day

    Vitrectomy is reserved for complications such as macular hole or detachment.

  • D. Resolution over weeks, with possible residual pigment change (correct)

    Correct. Most cases clear in weeks, with some residual pigment change.

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 D, Resolution over weeks, with possible residual pigment change. Commotio retinae is outer retinal swelling after blunt injury and usually clears over weeks, though pigment changes or a macular hole can remain.

Why is "Permanent blindness in all cases" not the answer?

Visual loss is often partially or fully recovered, not permanent in all.

Why is "Urgent laser needed within hours" not the answer?

Laser has no role in acute commotio retinae.

Why is "Vitrectomy within a day" not the answer?

Vitrectomy is reserved for complications such as macular hole or detachment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina: commotio retinae in Ophthalmology. Observation is the standard approach. It does not need laser or surgery in the acute phase.

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 Retina: commotio retinae?

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.