Glaucoma: 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 · Glaucoma

Sample item

Which drug is given systemically to reduce intraocular pressure in acute angle-closure glaucoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Intravenous acetazolamide

Acute angle-closure presents with a painful red eye, a mid-dilated fixed pupil, corneal oedema and halos. Treatment lowers pressure with acetazolamide, topical beta-blockers, pilocarpine and osmotic agents, followed by laser iridotomy. Mydriatics such as atropine worsen angle closure.

Option by option

  • A. Cyclopentolate eye drops

    Cyclopentolate is also a mydriatic and is harmful here.

  • B. Intravenous acetazolamide (correct)

    Correct. It reduces aqueous humour production.

  • C. Atropine eye drops

    Atropine dilates the pupil and can precipitate or worsen angle closure.

  • D. Phenylephrine eye drops

    Phenylephrine dilates the pupil and is avoided.

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 B, Intravenous acetazolamide. Acute angle-closure presents with a painful red eye, a mid-dilated fixed pupil, corneal oedema and halos.

Why is "Cyclopentolate eye drops" not the answer?

Cyclopentolate is also a mydriatic and is harmful here.

Why is "Atropine eye drops" not the answer?

Atropine dilates the pupil and can precipitate or worsen angle closure.

Why is "Phenylephrine eye drops" not the answer?

Phenylephrine dilates the pupil and is avoided.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Glaucoma in Ophthalmology. Treatment lowers pressure with acetazolamide, topical beta-blockers, pilocarpine and osmotic agents, followed by laser iridotomy. Mydriatics such as atropine worsen angle closure.

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 Glaucoma?

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.