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 optic disc change is typical of primary open-angle glaucoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Increased cup-to-disc ratio (cupping)

Glaucoma damages retinal ganglion cell axons, enlarging the optic cup, with notching and nasal displacement of vessels, and arcuate visual field defects. Papilloedema shows swelling with blurred margins. Optic atrophy shows pallor without cupping.

Option by option

  • A. Disc swelling with blurred margins

    Swelling with blurred margins describes papilloedema.

  • B. Pale disc with a normal cup

    A pale disc with a normal cup is optic atrophy.

  • C. Hyperaemic disc with flame haemorrhages only

    A hyperaemic disc is not the glaucoma pattern.

  • D. Increased cup-to-disc ratio (cupping) (correct)

    Correct. Progressive cupping reflects loss of nerve fibres.

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 D, Increased cup-to-disc ratio (cupping). Glaucoma damages retinal ganglion cell axons, enlarging the optic cup, with notching and nasal displacement of vessels, and arcuate visual field defects.

Why is "Disc swelling with blurred margins" not the answer?

Swelling with blurred margins describes papilloedema.

Why is "Pale disc with a normal cup" not the answer?

A pale disc with a normal cup is optic atrophy.

Why is "Hyperaemic disc with flame haemorrhages only" not the answer?

A hyperaemic disc is not the glaucoma pattern.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Glaucoma in Ophthalmology. Papilloedema shows swelling with blurred margins. Optic atrophy shows pallor without cupping.

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.