Optics: photostress test: 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 · Optics: photostress test

Sample item

A patient has visual acuity of 6/18 in one eye with an unremarkable fundus. After bleaching the retina with a bright light, recovery of acuity takes 120 seconds against 40 seconds in the other eye. Where is the problem?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Macula

The photostress test measures recovery after bleaching of photopigment, and prolongation points to macular disease, since RPE and photoreceptor function are slow to recover. Optic nerve disease gives normal recovery. Media opacities do not delay recovery.

Option by option

  • A. Macula (correct)

    Correct. Prolonged recovery points to macular dysfunction.

  • B. Lens

    Lens opacity does not delay photopigment recovery.

  • C. Cornea

    Corneal disease does not affect photopigment regeneration.

  • D. Optic nerve

    Optic nerve disease usually shows a normal photostress recovery.

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, Macula. The photostress test measures recovery after bleaching of photopigment, and prolongation points to macular disease, since RPE and photoreceptor function are slow to recover.

Why is "Lens" not the answer?

Lens opacity does not delay photopigment recovery.

Why is "Cornea" not the answer?

Corneal disease does not affect photopigment regeneration.

Why is "Optic nerve" not the answer?

Optic nerve disease usually shows a normal photostress recovery.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Optics: photostress test in Ophthalmology. Optic nerve disease gives normal recovery. Media opacities do not delay recovery.

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 Optics: photostress test?

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.