Lens: toxic anterior segment syndrome: 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 · Lens: toxic anterior segment syndrome

Sample item

A patient on the first day after uneventful phaco has diffuse limbus-to-limbus corneal oedema and heavy anterior chamber fibrin, with little pain. Cultures are negative. The likely diagnosis is:

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Toxic anterior segment syndrome

TASS is sterile inflammation within 12 to 48 hours of surgery from contaminants such as detergents, preservatives or toxic irrigating solutions. It responds to intensive topical steroids. Endophthalmitis is typically later (day 3 to 5), with pain and hypopyon.

Option by option

  • A. Late PCO

    PCO is a late complication.

  • B. Toxic anterior segment syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Early sterile inflammation after surgery is TASS.

  • C. Fuchs dystrophy

    Fuchs dystrophy is a pre-existing dystrophy.

  • D. Endophthalmitis from S. epidermidis

    Endophthalmitis presents with pain, hypopyon and later onset.

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, Toxic anterior segment syndrome. TASS is sterile inflammation within 12 to 48 hours of surgery from contaminants such as detergents, preservatives or toxic irrigating solutions.

Why is "Late PCO" not the answer?

PCO is a late complication.

Why is "Fuchs dystrophy" not the answer?

Fuchs dystrophy is a pre-existing dystrophy.

Why is "Endophthalmitis from S. epidermidis" not the answer?

Endophthalmitis presents with pain, hypopyon and later onset.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens: toxic anterior segment syndrome in Ophthalmology. It responds to intensive topical steroids. Endophthalmitis is typically later (day 3 to 5), with pain and hypopyon.

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 Lens: toxic anterior segment syndrome?

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.