00
Correct
00
Incorrect
00 : 00 : 00
Session Time
00 : 00
Average Question Time ( Secs)
  • Question 1 - A 35-year-old woman comes in with a painful, red right eye. She has...

    Correct

    • A 35-year-old woman comes in with a painful, red right eye. She has a history of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

      What is the MOST frequently occurring eye complication associated with AS?

      Your Answer: Uveitis

      Explanation:

      Uveitis is the most prevalent eye complication that arises in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Approximately one out of every three patients with AS will experience uveitis at some stage. The symptoms of uveitis include a red and painful eye, along with photophobia and blurred vision. Additionally, patients may notice the presence of floaters. The primary treatment for uveitis involves the use of corticosteroids, and it is crucial for patients to seek immediate attention from an ophthalmologist.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      4.6
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - A 32-year-old woman comes in with a painful, red left eye. She is...

    Incorrect

    • A 32-year-old woman comes in with a painful, red left eye. She is also experiencing bilateral knee discomfort. Her medical history includes frequent and recurring mouth and genital ulcers. Upon examination of her eye, there is circumlimbal redness and a hypopyon is visible. Her left pupil has a poor reaction to light.

      What is the SINGLE most probable diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Ankylosing spondylitis

      Correct Answer: Behçet’s syndrome

      Explanation:

      Behçet’s syndrome is a systemic vasculitis that is mediated by the immune system. It is characterized by various symptoms, including polyarthritis, which primarily affects large joints. Additionally, patients with Behçet’s syndrome often experience recurrent oral and genital ulcers. Ocular disease is also common, with manifestations such as uveitis, hypopyon, and iridocyclitis. Furthermore, neurological involvement can occur, leading to demyelination, parkinsonism, and dementia. In this particular case, the patient’s eye examination reveals features consistent with anterior uveitis and the presence of a hypopyon. While several conditions can cause anterior uveitis, the patient’s history of joint pain in large joints and recurrent oral and genital ulcers strongly suggest Behçet’s syndrome as the most likely diagnosis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      11.2
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - A 35-year-old construction worker comes in with intense pain in his left eye...

    Correct

    • A 35-year-old construction worker comes in with intense pain in his left eye following an incident at the job site where a significant amount of cement dust entered his left eye.

      What would be the initial course of action in managing this case?

      Your Answer: Irrigate the eye with normal saline

      Explanation:

      Cement contains lime, which is a powerful alkali, and this can cause a serious eye emergency that requires immediate treatment. Alkaline chemicals, such as oven cleaner, ammonia, household bleach, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, and plaster, can also cause damage to the eyes. They lead to colliquative necrosis, which is a type of tissue death that results in liquefaction. On the other hand, acids cause damage through coagulative necrosis. Common acids that can harm the eyes include toilet cleaners, certain household cleaning products, and battery fluid.

      The initial management of a patient with cement or alkali exposure to the eyes should be as follows:

      1. Irrigate the eye with a large amount of normal saline for 20-30 minutes.
      2. Administer local anaesthetic drops every 5 minutes to help keep the eye open and alleviate pain.
      3. Monitor the pH every 5 minutes until a neutral pH (7.0-7.5) is achieved. Briefly pause irrigation to test the fluid from the forniceal space using litmus paper.

      After the initial management, a thorough examination should be conducted, which includes the following steps:

      1. Examine the eye directly and with a slit lamp.
      2. Remove any remaining cement debris from the surface of the eye.
      3. Evert the eyelids to check for hidden cement debris.
      4. Administer fluorescein drops and check for corneal abrasion.
      5. Assess visual acuity, which may be reduced.
      6. Perform fundoscopy to check for retinal necrosis if the alkali has penetrated the sclera.
      7. Measure intraocular pressure through tonometry to detect secondary glaucoma.

      Once the eye’s pH has returned to normal, irrigation can be stopped, and the patient should be promptly referred to an ophthalmology specialist for further evaluation.

      Potential long-term complications of cement or alkali exposure to the eyes include closed-angle glaucoma, cataract formation, entropion, keratitis sicca, and permanent vision loss.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      11.1
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - A 65-year-old man comes in with a chief complaint of sudden vision loss...

    Correct

    • A 65-year-old man comes in with a chief complaint of sudden vision loss in his right eye over the past couple of hours. During fundoscopic examination, you observe engorgement of the retinal veins and notice multiple flame-shaped hemorrhages and cotton wool spots scattered throughout the entire retina.
      What is the SINGLE most probable diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Central retinal vein occlusion

      Explanation:

      Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a condition that usually leads to painless, one-sided vision loss. When examining the retina, it may appear similar to a ‘pizza thrown against a wall’, with swollen retinal veins, swelling of the optic disc, numerous flame-shaped hemorrhages, and cotton wool spots. Hypertension is present in about 65% of CRVO cases and is more common in individuals aged 65 and above.

      On the other hand, branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) typically affects only one section of the retina, resulting in visual field deficits in that specific quadrant rather than complete vision loss.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      8.8
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - A 42-year-old woman comes in with a painful, red left eye and sensitivity...

    Correct

    • A 42-year-old woman comes in with a painful, red left eye and sensitivity to light. She also reports seeing floaters and experiencing a dull, throbbing headache. She is currently being evaluated by the rheumatology team for persistent pain and stiffness in her upper back and discomfort in her buttocks and thighs. Her eye appears red, and a hypopyon is visible.

      What is the SINGLE most probable diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Anterior uveitis

      Explanation:

      The most probable diagnosis in this case is anterior uveitis, which refers to inflammation of the iris. It typically presents with symptoms such as a painful and red eye, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and decreased visual clarity. The photo above shows a possible indication of this condition, with the presence of pus in the front chamber of the eye, known as hypopyon.

      Anterior uveitis can have various causes, including idiopathic cases where no specific cause is identified. Other potential triggers include trauma, chronic joint diseases like spondyloarthropathies and juvenile chronic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, and infections such as Lyme disease, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Additionally, certain malignancies like non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ocular melanoma, and retinoblastoma can be associated with anterior uveitis.

      It is worth noting that there is a strong link between the HLA-B27 genotype and anterior uveitis, with approximately 50% of patients having this genetic marker. In this particular case, the likely underlying diagnosis is ankylosing spondylitis, a condition characterized by chronic pain and stiffness in the mid-spine area and sacroiliitis. It is important to mention that around 30% of men with unilateral uveitis will be found to have ankylosing spondylitis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      21.9
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - A 22-year-old individual comes in with a painful, itchy, red left eye. During...

    Correct

    • A 22-year-old individual comes in with a painful, itchy, red left eye. During the examination, there is noticeable redness in the conjunctiva, and follicles are observed on the inner eyelid when it is turned inside out. They recently had a mild and short-lived upper respiratory tract infection, but there are no other significant medical history.

      What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis for this patient?

      Your Answer: Viral conjunctivitis

      Explanation:

      Conjunctivitis is the most common reason for red eyes, accounting for about 35% of all eye problems seen in general practice. It occurs when the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white part of the eye, becomes inflamed. Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection or an allergic reaction.

      Infective conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. The most common type of infective conjunctivitis is viral, with adenoviruses being the main culprits. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also common and is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Haemophilus influenzae.

      The symptoms of infective conjunctivitis include sudden redness of the conjunctiva, discomfort described as a gritty or burning sensation, watering of the eyes, and discharge that may temporarily blurry vision. It can be challenging to differentiate between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis based on symptoms alone.

      Here are some key features that can help distinguish between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis:

      Features suggestive of viral conjunctivitis:
      – Mild to moderate redness of the conjunctiva
      – Presence of follicles on the inner surface of the eyelids
      – Swelling of the eyelids
      – Small, pinpoint bleeding under the conjunctiva
      – Pseudomembranes (thin layers of tissue) may form on the inner surface of the eyelids in severe cases, often caused by adenovirus
      – Less discharge (usually watery) compared to bacterial conjunctivitis
      – Mild to moderate itching
      – Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and swollen lymph nodes in front of the ears

      Features suggestive of bacterial conjunctivitis:
      – Purulent or mucopurulent discharge with crusting of the eyelids, which may cause them to stick together upon waking
      – Mild or no itching
      – Swollen lymph nodes in front of the ears, which are often present in severe bacterial conjunctivitis
      – If the discharge is copious and mucopurulent, infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae should be considered.

      By considering these distinguishing features, healthcare professionals can better diagnose and manage cases of conjunctivitis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      12.2
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - A 60-year-old woman comes in with intense pain and vision loss in her...

    Correct

    • A 60-year-old woman comes in with intense pain and vision loss in her left eye. She has experienced multiple episodes of vomiting. Upon examination, there is noticeable redness around the left side of the cornea, and the left pupil is dilated and unresponsive to light.
      What is the most suitable initial treatment for this patient?

      Your Answer: Intravenous acetazolamide

      Explanation:

      This patient has presented with acute closed-angle glaucoma, which is a serious eye condition requiring immediate medical attention. It occurs when the iris pushes forward and blocks the fluid access to the trabecular meshwork, leading to increased pressure within the eye and damage to the optic nerve.

      The main symptoms of acute closed-angle glaucoma include severe eye pain, decreased vision, redness around the cornea, swelling of the cornea, a fixed semi-dilated pupil, nausea, vomiting, and episodes of blurred vision or seeing haloes.

      To confirm the diagnosis, tonometry is performed to measure the intraocular pressure. Normal pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg, but in acute closed-angle glaucoma, it is often higher than 30 mmHg. Goldmann’s applanation tonometer is commonly used in hospitals for this purpose.

      Management of acute closed-angle glaucoma involves providing pain relief, such as morphine, and antiemetics if the patient is experiencing vomiting. Intravenous acetazolamide is administered to reduce intraocular pressure. Additionally, a topical miotic medication like pilocarpine is started about an hour after initiating other treatments to help constrict the pupil, as it may initially be paralyzed and unresponsive.

      Overall, acute closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to the eye.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      11
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - A 60-year-old woman presents with intense pain in her left eye and sudden...

    Correct

    • A 60-year-old woman presents with intense pain in her left eye and sudden vision loss in the same eye. She has experienced multiple episodes of vomiting. After conducting a comprehensive examination and measuring the intraocular pressure, you diagnose her with acute closed-angle glaucoma. You provide analgesics and administer IV acetazolamide as the initial treatment.
      What other treatment option could potentially benefit this patient?

      Your Answer: Topical pilocarpine

      Explanation:

      This patient has presented with acute closed-angle glaucoma, which is a serious eye condition requiring immediate medical attention. It occurs when the iris pushes forward and blocks the fluid access to the trabecular meshwork, leading to increased pressure within the eye and damage to the optic nerve.

      The main symptoms of acute closed-angle glaucoma include severe eye pain, decreased vision, redness around the cornea, swelling of the cornea, a fixed semi-dilated pupil, nausea, vomiting, and episodes of blurred vision or seeing haloes.

      To confirm the diagnosis, tonometry is performed to measure the intraocular pressure. Normal pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg, but in acute closed-angle glaucoma, it is often higher than 30 mmHg. Goldmann’s applanation tonometer is commonly used in hospitals for this purpose.

      Management of acute closed-angle glaucoma involves providing pain relief, such as morphine, and antiemetics if the patient is experiencing vomiting. Intravenous acetazolamide is administered to reduce intraocular pressure. Additionally, a topical miotic medication like pilocarpine is started about an hour after initiating other treatments to help constrict the pupil, as it may initially be paralyzed and unresponsive.

      Overall, acute closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to the eye.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      19.8
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - A 42-year-old woman presents with right eye pain and sensitivity to light. She...

    Incorrect

    • A 42-year-old woman presents with right eye pain and sensitivity to light. She reports that the eye pain worsens when she reads or uses her computer. Her eye is excessively watery. During the examination, her right pupil is constricted, and there is noticeable redness around the iris. Her visual acuity is measured and found to be 6/6. She has a history of ankylosing spondylitis and takes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

      What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis for this patient?

      Your Answer: Scleritis

      Correct Answer: Anterior uveitis

      Explanation:

      Anterior uveitis refers to the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris and the ciliary body. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage and vision loss due to the development of conditions like glaucoma, cataract, or retinal edema.

      There are various causes of anterior uveitis, including eye trauma from being hit or having a foreign object in the eye. It can also be associated with inflammatory disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis.

      The clinical features of anterior uveitis are characterized by a red and sore eye, accompanied by pain that worsens when the ciliary muscles contract. Other symptoms include watering of the eye, blurred vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and a constricted or distorted pupil. The visual acuity may be normal or reduced.

      Overall, anterior uveitis is a condition that requires prompt attention and treatment to prevent further complications and preserve vision.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      7.2
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - A one-week-old infant presents with eyelid swelling and a mucopurulent discharge from both...

    Correct

    • A one-week-old infant presents with eyelid swelling and a mucopurulent discharge from both eyes shortly after birth. The diagnosis of ophthalmia neonatorum is made. What is the most probable causative organism in this case?

      Your Answer: Chlamydia trachomatis

      Explanation:

      Ophthalmia neonatorum refers to any cause of conjunctivitis during the newborn period, regardless of the specific organism responsible.

      Conjunctivitis is the most frequent occurrence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in newborns. Chlamydia is now the leading cause, accounting for up to 40% of cases. Neisseria gonorrhoea, on the other hand, only accounts for less than 1% of reported cases. The remaining cases are caused by non-sexually transmitted bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus species, and viruses.

      Gonorrhoeal ophthalmia neonatorum typically presents within 1 to 5 days after birth. It is characterized by intense redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, eyelid swelling, and a severe discharge of pus. Corneal ulceration and perforation may also be present.

      Chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum, on the other hand, usually appears between 5 to 14 days after birth. It is characterized by a gradually increasing watery discharge that eventually becomes purulent. The inflammation in the eyes is usually less severe compared to gonococcal infection, and there is a lower risk of corneal ulceration and perforation.

      The second most common manifestation of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in newborns is pneumonia. Approximately 5-30% of infected neonates will develop pneumonia. About half of these infants will also have a history of ophthalmia neonatorum.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      8.3
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - A 45-year-old man presents with a red, painful right eye. He describes the...

    Incorrect

    • A 45-year-old man presents with a red, painful right eye. He describes the pain as being excruciating, and it radiates to his forehead. His eyes are excessively watery, and he prefers to stay in a dark room at home because light exacerbates the pain. On examination, his eye appears very red, and there is tenderness upon palpation of the eyeball. His visual acuity is decreased. He was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.

      What is the SINGLE MOST likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Anterior uveitis

      Correct Answer: Scleritis

      Explanation:

      Scleritis is a serious condition characterized by inflammation of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. It often affects both eyes, with bilateral involvement seen in about half of the cases. While the cause of scleritis can be unknown (idiopathic), it is associated with systemic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in approximately one-third of patients. In fact, scleritis can sometimes be the initial manifestation of these inflammatory conditions.

      The clinical features of scleritis include moderate to severe pain, which can be felt in the brow or jaw. The pain worsens with eye movement and may disrupt sleep. The onset of symptoms is typically gradual. Other common symptoms include sensitivity to light (photophobia), excessive tearing (epiphora), and redness of both the superficial and deep episcleral vessels. The affected eye may also be tender to touch, and there may be a decrease in visual acuity. Some individuals may have a history of previous episodes of scleritis.

      In summary, scleritis is a serious inflammatory disease of the sclera that can be associated with systemic inflammatory conditions. It presents with significant pain, often referred to the brow or jaw, and worsened by eye movement. Other symptoms include photophobia, excessive tearing, and redness of the episcleral vessels. It is important to recognize scleritis as it can be the first sign of underlying inflammatory diseases.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      23.7
      Seconds
  • Question 12 - A 60-year-old woman comes in with severe left eye pain and loss of...

    Incorrect

    • A 60-year-old woman comes in with severe left eye pain and loss of vision in the left eye. After conducting a comprehensive examination and measuring the intraocular pressure, you diagnose her with acute closed-angle glaucoma.
      Which of the following statements about acute closed-angle glaucoma is correct?

      Your Answer: The mainstay of treatment is topical acetazolamide applied to the affected eye

      Correct Answer: intraocular pressures are often greater than 30 mmHg

      Explanation:

      This patient has presented with acute closed-angle glaucoma, which is a medical emergency in the field of ophthalmology. It occurs when the iris bows forward and blocks the fluid access to the trabecular meshwork, which is located at the entrance to Schlemm’s canal. As a result, the intraocular pressure rises and leads to glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

      The main clinical features of acute closed-angle glaucoma include severe eye pain, loss of vision or decreased visual acuity, congestion and redness around the cornea, corneal swelling, a fixed semi-dilated oval-shaped pupil, nausea and vomiting, and preceding episodes of blurred vision or seeing haloes.

      The diagnosis can be confirmed by tonometry, which measures the pressure inside the eye. The normal range of intraocular pressure is 10-21 mmHg, but in acute closed-angle glaucoma, it is often higher than 30 mmHg. Goldmann’s applanation tonometer is commonly used in hospitals for this purpose.

      Management of acute closed-angle glaucoma should include providing pain relief, such as morphine, and antiemetics if the patient is experiencing vomiting. Intravenous administration of acetazolamide 500 mg is recommended to reduce intraocular pressure. Treatment with a topical miotic, like pilocarpine 1% or 2%, should be initiated approximately one hour after starting other measures, as the pupil may initially be paralyzed and unresponsive.

      On the other hand, chronic open-angle glaucoma is a more common presentation than acute closed-angle glaucoma. It affects approximately 1 in 50 people over the age of 40 and 1 in 10 people over the age of 75. In this condition, there is a partial blockage within the trabecular meshwork, which hinders the drainage of aqueous humor and gradually increases intraocular pressure, leading to optic neuropathy. Unlike acute closed-angle glaucoma, chronic open-angle glaucoma does not cause eye pain or redness. It presents gradually with a progressive loss of peripheral vision, while central vision is relatively preserved.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      24.9
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - A 70-year-old woman experiences a sudden onset of vision loss in her left...

    Incorrect

    • A 70-year-old woman experiences a sudden onset of vision loss in her left eye. She is later diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

      Your Answer: Approximately 25% of patients have hypertension

      Correct Answer: Chronic glaucoma is a recognised risk factor

      Explanation:

      Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) typically leads to painless, one-sided vision loss. When examining the retina, it may appear similar to a ‘pizza thrown against a wall’, with swollen retinal veins, swelling of the optic disc, multiple flame-shaped hemorrhages, and cotton wool spots. Hypertension is present in about 65% of CRVO patients, and it is more common in individuals over the age of 65. Other known risk factors include being elderly, having chronic glaucoma, arteriosclerosis, and polycythemia.

      In contrast, central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is characterized by a pale retina and a ‘cherry-red spot’ in the macula’s center, which is spared due to its blood supply from the underlying choroid. It is important to differentiate between CRVO and CRAO based on these distinct features.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      18.6
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - You evaluate the pupillary light reflex in a patient with a cranial nerve...

    Correct

    • You evaluate the pupillary light reflex in a patient with a cranial nerve impairment. When the light is directed into the left eye, there is no alteration in pupil size in either the left or right eye. However, when the light is directed into the right eye, both the left and right pupils constrict.
      What is the location of the lesion in this scenario?

      Your Answer: Left optic nerve

      Explanation:

      The pupillary light reflex is a reflex that regulates the size of the pupil in response to the intensity of light that reaches the retina. It consists of two separate pathways, the afferent pathway and the efferent pathway.

      The afferent pathway begins with light entering the pupil and stimulating the retinal ganglion cells in the retina. These cells then transmit the light signal to the optic nerve. At the optic chiasm, the nasal retinal fibers cross to the opposite optic tract, while the temporal retinal fibers remain in the same optic tract. The fibers from the optic tracts then project and synapse in the pretectal nuclei in the dorsal midbrain. From there, the pretectal nuclei send fibers to the ipsilateral Edinger-Westphal nucleus via the posterior commissure.

      On the other hand, the efferent pathway starts with the Edinger-Westphal nucleus projecting preganglionic parasympathetic fibers. These fibers exit the midbrain and travel along the oculomotor nerve. They then synapse on post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers in the ciliary ganglion. The post-ganglionic fibers, known as the short ciliary nerves, innervate the sphincter muscle of the pupils, causing them to constrict.

      The result of these pathways is that when light is shone in one eye, both the direct pupillary light reflex (ipsilateral eye) and the consensual pupillary light reflex (contralateral eye) occur.

      Lesions affecting the pupillary light reflex can be identified by comparing the direct and consensual reactions to light in both eyes. If the optic nerve of the first eye is damaged, both the direct and consensual reflexes in the second eye will be lost. However, when light is shone into the second eye, the pupil of the first eye will still constrict. If the optic nerve of the second eye is damaged, the second eye will constrict consensually when light is shone into the unaffected first eye. If the oculomotor nerve of the first eye is damaged, the first eye will have no direct light reflex, but the second eye will still constrict consensually. Finally, if the oculomotor nerve of the second eye is damaged, there will be no consensual constriction of the second eye when light is shone into the unaffected first eye.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      14.7
      Seconds
  • Question 15 - You evaluate the pupillary light reflex in a patient with a cranial nerve...

    Correct

    • You evaluate the pupillary light reflex in a patient with a cranial nerve impairment. Upon shining the light into the left eye, there is no alteration in pupil size in either the left or right eye. However, when the light is directed into the right eye, both the left and right pupils constrict.

      What is the location of the lesion in this scenario?

      Your Answer: Left optic nerve

      Explanation:

      The pupillary light reflex is a reflex that regulates the size of the pupil in response to the intensity of light that reaches the retina. It consists of two separate pathways, the afferent pathway and the efferent pathway.

      The afferent pathway begins with light entering the pupil and stimulating the retinal ganglion cells in the retina. These cells then transmit the light signal to the optic nerve. At the optic chiasm, the nasal retinal fibers cross to the opposite optic tract, while the temporal retinal fibers remain in the same optic tract. The fibers from the optic tracts then project and synapse in the pretectal nuclei in the dorsal midbrain. From there, the pretectal nuclei send fibers to the ipsilateral Edinger-Westphal nucleus via the posterior commissure.

      On the other hand, the efferent pathway starts with the Edinger-Westphal nucleus projecting preganglionic parasympathetic fibers. These fibers exit the midbrain and travel along the oculomotor nerve. They then synapse on post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers in the ciliary ganglion. The post-ganglionic fibers, known as the short ciliary nerves, innervate the sphincter muscle of the pupils, causing them to constrict.

      The result of these pathways is that when light is shone in one eye, both the direct pupillary light reflex (ipsilateral eye) and the consensual pupillary light reflex (contralateral eye) occur.

      Lesions affecting the pupillary light reflex can be identified by comparing the direct and consensual reactions to light in both eyes. If the optic nerve of the first eye is damaged, both the direct and consensual reflexes in the second eye will be lost. However, when light is shone into the second eye, the pupil of the first eye will still constrict. If the optic nerve of the second eye is damaged, the second eye will constrict consensually when light is shone into the unaffected first eye. If the oculomotor nerve of the first eye is damaged, the first eye will have no direct light reflex, but the second eye will still constrict consensually. Finally, if the oculomotor nerve of the second eye is damaged, there will be no consensual constriction of the second eye when light is shone into the unaffected first eye.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      11.6
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - A 45-year-old woman comes in with a temporary vision loss in her right...

    Incorrect

    • A 45-year-old woman comes in with a temporary vision loss in her right eye half an hour after a yoga session. She had observed flickering lights in the eye before the incident and also experienced a headache that persisted for a few hours. Her visual symptoms disappeared after 45 minutes, but she still experiences slight nausea.

      What is the SINGLE most probable diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Retinal haemorrhage

      Correct Answer: Migraine

      Explanation:

      The presentation, in this instance, is consistent with retinal (ocular) migraine. As per the International Headache Society, the primary clinical features of retinal migraine include an expanding blind-spot in the center of vision, flickering or flashing lights, temporary loss of vision in one eye lasting less than an hour, headache lasting anywhere from 4 to 72 hours (often affecting only one side of the head), nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and a prodrome present in 50-60% of cases. Retinal migraine is relatively uncommon, affecting only 1 in 200 individuals with migraines, and is believed to occur due to the narrowing of blood vessels in the choroidal or retinal arteries. Factors that can trigger retinal migraine include recent intense exercise, changes in posture, and the use of oral contraceptives.

      Acute optic neuritis typically presents with unilateral vision loss that worsens over a couple of weeks and then spontaneously improves within three weeks. This condition is more commonly seen in individuals under the age of 45 and is often accompanied by pain around the eyes that worsens with eye movement. A relative afferent pupillary defect and pallor of the optic disc, visible 4-6 weeks after the onset, are frequently observed. The most common cause of optic neuritis in this age group is acute demyelination.

      Retinal hemorrhage leads to painless vision loss, while acute glaucoma and amaurosis fugax are unlikely to occur in individuals of this age group.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      34.2
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - A 35-year-old man is diagnosed with anterior uveitis.
    Which SINGLE statement regarding this condition...

    Correct

    • A 35-year-old man is diagnosed with anterior uveitis.
      Which SINGLE statement regarding this condition is FALSE?

      Your Answer: It most commonly involves the posterior chamber

      Explanation:

      Anterior uveitis refers to the inflammation of the iris and is characterized by a painful and red eye. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and a decrease in visual clarity. In less than 10% of cases, the inflammation may extend to the posterior chamber. The condition can also lead to the formation of adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea, resulting in an irregularly shaped pupil known as synechia. In severe cases, pus may accumulate in the front part of the eye, specifically the anterior chamber, causing a condition called hypopyon.

      There are various factors that can cause anterior uveitis, including idiopathic cases where no specific cause can be identified. Other causes include trauma, chronic joint diseases like spondyloarthropathies and juvenile chronic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, and infections such as Lyme disease, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is worth noting that approximately 50% of patients with anterior uveitis have a strong association with the HLA-B27 genotype.

      Complications that can arise from uveitis include the development of cataracts, glaucoma, band keratopathy (a condition where calcium deposits form on the cornea), and even blindness.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      20
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - A 22-year-old individual comes in with a painful, itchy, red left eye. During...

    Correct

    • A 22-year-old individual comes in with a painful, itchy, red left eye. During the examination, there is noticeable redness in the conjunctiva, and follicles are observed on the inner eyelid when it is turned inside out. The patient recently had a mild and brief upper respiratory tract infection, but there are no other significant medical history details.

      What is the MOST LIKELY organism responsible for this condition?

      Your Answer: Adenovirus

      Explanation:

      Conjunctivitis is the most common reason for red eyes, accounting for about 35% of all eye problems seen in general practice. It occurs when the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white part of the eye, becomes inflamed. Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection or an allergic reaction.

      Infective conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. The most common type of infective conjunctivitis is viral, with adenoviruses being the main culprits. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also common and is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Haemophilus influenzae.

      The symptoms of infective conjunctivitis include sudden redness of the conjunctiva, discomfort described as a gritty or burning sensation, watering of the eyes, and discharge that may temporarily blurry vision. It can be challenging to differentiate between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis based on symptoms alone.

      Here are some key features that can help distinguish between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis:

      Features suggestive of viral conjunctivitis:
      – Mild to moderate redness of the conjunctiva
      – Presence of follicles on the inner surface of the eyelids
      – Swelling of the eyelids
      – Small, pinpoint bleeding under the conjunctiva
      – Pseudomembranes (thin layers of tissue) may form on the inner surface of the eyelids in severe cases, often caused by adenovirus
      – Less discharge (usually watery) compared to bacterial conjunctivitis
      – Mild to moderate itching
      – Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and swollen lymph nodes in front of the ears

      Features suggestive of bacterial conjunctivitis:
      – Purulent or mucopurulent discharge with crusting of the eyelids, which may cause them to stick together upon waking
      – Mild or no itching
      – Swollen lymph nodes in front of the ears, which are often present in severe bacterial conjunctivitis
      – If the discharge is copious and mucopurulent, infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae should be considered.

      By considering these distinguishing features, healthcare professionals can better diagnose and manage cases of conjunctivitis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      13
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - A 30-year-old construction worker comes in with intense pain in his left eye...

    Correct

    • A 30-year-old construction worker comes in with intense pain in his left eye following an incident at the job site where a significant amount of cement dust blew into his eye.

      What should be utilized as an irrigation solution for the affected eye?

      Your Answer: 0.9% normal saline

      Explanation:

      Cement contains lime, which is a powerful alkali, and this can cause a serious eye emergency that requires immediate treatment. Alkaline chemicals, such as oven cleaner, ammonia, household bleach, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, and plaster, can also cause damage to the eyes. They lead to colliquative necrosis, which is a type of tissue death that results in liquefaction. On the other hand, acids cause damage through coagulative necrosis. Common acids that can harm the eyes include toilet cleaners, certain household cleaning products, and battery fluid.

      The initial management of a patient with cement or alkali exposure to the eyes should be as follows:

      1. Irrigate the eye with a large amount of normal saline for 20-30 minutes.
      2. Administer local anaesthetic drops every 5 minutes to help keep the eye open and alleviate pain.
      3. Monitor the pH every 5 minutes until a neutral pH (7.0-7.5) is achieved. Briefly pause irrigation to test the fluid from the forniceal space using litmus paper.

      After the initial management, a thorough examination should be conducted, which includes the following steps:

      1. Examine the eye directly and with a slit lamp.
      2. Remove any remaining cement debris from the surface of the eye.
      3. Evert the eyelids to check for hidden cement debris.
      4. Administer fluorescein drops and check for corneal abrasion.
      5. Assess visual acuity, which may be reduced.
      6. Perform fundoscopy to check for retinal necrosis if the alkali has penetrated the sclera.
      7. Measure intraocular pressure through tonometry to detect secondary glaucoma.

      Once the eye’s pH has returned to normal, irrigation can be stopped, and the patient should be promptly referred to an ophthalmology specialist for further evaluation.

      Potential long-term complications of cement or alkali exposure to the eyes include closed-angle glaucoma, cataract formation, entropion, keratitis sicca, and permanent vision loss.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      7.4
      Seconds
  • Question 20 - A 32-year-old artist returns from a vacation in Thailand with a severely painful,...

    Correct

    • A 32-year-old artist returns from a vacation in Thailand with a severely painful, red right eye. The symptoms appeared rapidly within a day, and now there is excessive discharge and swelling of the eyelid. During the examination, tender pre-auricular lymphadenopathy is observed on the right side. Upon further inquiry, the patient confesses to having visited a sex worker while in Thailand.

      What is the SINGLE most probable organism responsible for this condition?

      Your Answer: Neisseria gonorrhoea

      Explanation:

      Sexually transmitted eye infections can be quite severe and are often characterized by prolonged mucopurulent discharge. There are two main causes of these infections: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea. Differentiating between the two can be done by considering certain features.

      Chlamydia trachomatis infection typically presents with chronic low-grade irritation and mucous discharge that lasts for more than two weeks in sexually active individuals. It may also be accompanied by pre-auricular lymphadenopathy. This type of infection is usually unilateral but can sometimes affect both eyes.

      On the other hand, Neisseria gonorrhoea infection tends to develop rapidly, usually within 12 to 24 hours. It is characterized by copious mucopurulent discharge, eyelid swelling, and tender preauricular lymphadenopathy. This type of infection carries a higher risk of complications, such as uveitis, severe keratitis, and corneal perforation.

      Based on the patient’s symptoms, it appears that they are more consistent with a Neisseria gonorrhoea infection. The rapid onset, copious discharge, and tender preauricular lymphadenopathy are indicative of this type of infection.

      Treatment for gonococcal conjunctivitis in adults is typically based on limited research. However, a study has shown that all 12 patients responded well to a single 1 g intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone, along with a single episode of ocular lavage with saline.

      In summary, sexually transmitted eye infections can be caused by either Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoea. Differentiating between the two is important in order to provide appropriate treatment. The patient in this case exhibits symptoms that align more closely with a Neisseria gonorrhoea infection, which carries a higher risk of complications. Treatment options for gonococcal conjunctivitis are limited, but a single injection of ceftriaxone has shown positive results in previous studies.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Ophthalmology
      20.6
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Ophthalmology (14/20) 70%
Passmed