Cornea: neurotrophic keratitis: 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 · Cornea: neurotrophic keratitis

Sample item

After a trigeminal neuralgia ablation, a patient develops a painless, non-healing central epithelial defect with reduced corneal sensation. Which agent is approved for stage 2 and 3 disease?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Cenegermin (recombinant human nerve growth factor)

Neurotrophic keratitis is due to loss of trigeminal innervation and trophic factors, so it is painless. Cenegermin eye drops promote epithelial healing, and measures like lubricants, bandage lens, tarsorrhaphy and amniotic membrane help. Steroids worsen melting.

Option by option

  • A. Topical steroid

    Steroids impair healing.

  • B. Cenegermin (recombinant human nerve growth factor) (correct)

    Correct. Cenegermin is approved for neurotrophic keratitis.

  • C. Topical cyclosporine only

    Cyclosporine alone does not address nerve loss.

  • D. Natamycin

    Natamycin treats fungal infections.

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 B, Cenegermin (recombinant human nerve growth factor). Neurotrophic keratitis is due to loss of trigeminal innervation and trophic factors, so it is painless.

Why is "Topical steroid" not the answer?

Steroids impair healing.

Why is "Topical cyclosporine only" not the answer?

Cyclosporine alone does not address nerve loss.

Why is "Natamycin" not the answer?

Natamycin treats fungal infections.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cornea: neurotrophic keratitis in Ophthalmology. Cenegermin eye drops promote epithelial healing, and measures like lubricants, bandage lens, tarsorrhaphy and amniotic membrane help. Steroids worsen melting.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Cornea: neurotrophic keratitis?

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.