Retina: dietary supplements in macular degeneration: 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: dietary supplements in macular degeneration

Sample item

A 68-year-old non-smoker has intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration in both eyes. Which measure is supported to reduce progression to advanced disease?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. An antioxidant vitamin and zinc formulation

AREDS-type supplements with antioxidant vitamins and zinc reduce progression of intermediate disease. Anti-VEGF is for neovascular disease, and laser or photodynamic therapy are not used for dry disease. Smoking cessation is also advised.

Option by option

  • A. Monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections

    Anti-VEGF is used for wet disease and has no role in intermediate dry disease.

  • B. An antioxidant vitamin and zinc formulation (correct)

    Correct. The supplement formulation lowers the risk of progression.

  • C. Panretinal photocoagulation

    Panretinal photocoagulation treats proliferative ischaemia, not drusen.

  • D. Photodynamic therapy

    Photodynamic therapy is for specific neovascular lesions.

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 B, An antioxidant vitamin and zinc formulation. AREDS-type supplements with antioxidant vitamins and zinc reduce progression of intermediate disease.

Why is "Monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections" not the answer?

Anti-VEGF is used for wet disease and has no role in intermediate dry disease.

Why is "Panretinal photocoagulation" not the answer?

Panretinal photocoagulation treats proliferative ischaemia, not drusen.

Why is "Photodynamic therapy" not the answer?

Photodynamic therapy is for specific neovascular lesions.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina: dietary supplements in macular degeneration in Ophthalmology. Anti-VEGF is for neovascular disease, and laser or photodynamic therapy are not used for dry disease. Smoking cessation is also advised.

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: dietary supplements in macular degeneration?

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.