Squint: sensory exotropia: 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 · Squint: sensory exotropia

Sample item

A 40-year-old with a dense traumatic cataract since childhood now has an outward deviation of that eye. What is the cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Sensory exotropia from loss of fusion

Longstanding poor vision in one eye removes the stimulus for fusion, and the eye drifts out in adults as sensory exotropia. Nerve palsy would give ptosis and a dilated pupil. Duane syndrome is congenital with globe retraction.

Option by option

  • A. Thyroid myopathy

    Thyroid myopathy restricts elevation or abduction, not a simple exodrift.

  • B. Third nerve palsy

    Third nerve palsy gives ptosis, a large pupil and limited adduction.

  • C. Duane syndrome

    Duane syndrome is congenital with limited abduction and retraction.

  • D. Sensory exotropia from loss of fusion (correct)

    Correct. Loss of vision removes fusion and the eye drifts outward.

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, Sensory exotropia from loss of fusion. Longstanding poor vision in one eye removes the stimulus for fusion, and the eye drifts out in adults as sensory exotropia.

Why is "Thyroid myopathy" not the answer?

Thyroid myopathy restricts elevation or abduction, not a simple exodrift.

Why is "Third nerve palsy" not the answer?

Third nerve palsy gives ptosis, a large pupil and limited adduction.

Why is "Duane syndrome" not the answer?

Duane syndrome is congenital with limited abduction and retraction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Squint: sensory exotropia in Ophthalmology. Nerve palsy would give ptosis and a dilated pupil. Duane syndrome is congenital with globe retraction.

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 Squint: sensory exotropia?

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.