Lacrimal: congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: 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 · Lacrimal: congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Sample item

A 7-month-old baby has watering and mucoid discharge since birth in one eye. Crigler massage has been tried for months without response. What is the next step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Probing of the nasolacrimal duct

Most cases resolve by 9 to 12 months with massage and topical antibiotics for infection. If not, probing is done, ideally after 6 to 12 months of age. DCR is reserved for failure of probing and intubation.

Option by option

  • A. Probing of the nasolacrimal duct (correct)

    Correct. Probing is the next step after failed conservative treatment.

  • B. Systemic antibiotics for 6 weeks

    Systemic antibiotics do not relieve a mechanical obstruction.

  • C. Dacryocystorhinostomy immediately

    DCR is reserved for cases that fail probing and intubation.

  • D. Excision of the lacrimal sac

    Sac excision is not indicated in a child.

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 A, Probing of the nasolacrimal duct. Most cases resolve by 9 to 12 months with massage and topical antibiotics for infection.

Why is "Systemic antibiotics for 6 weeks" not the answer?

Systemic antibiotics do not relieve a mechanical obstruction.

Why is "Dacryocystorhinostomy immediately" not the answer?

DCR is reserved for cases that fail probing and intubation.

Why is "Excision of the lacrimal sac" not the answer?

Sac excision is not indicated in a child.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lacrimal: congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in Ophthalmology. If not, probing is done, ideally after 6 to 12 months of age. DCR is reserved for failure of probing and intubation.

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 Lacrimal: congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction?

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.