Lens and cataract: capsular tension ring: 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 and cataract: capsular tension ring

Sample item

During phacoemulsification in an eye with pseudoexfoliation, wrinkling of the capsule suggests zonular weakness after the capsulorhexis. Which device placed inside the capsular bag helps to distribute support and centre the bag?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Capsular tension ring

A capsular tension ring is an open polymethyl methacrylate ring placed in the capsular bag to expand and stabilise it when zonules are weak, as in pseudoexfoliation, Marfan syndrome or trauma. Pupil expanders and iris hooks are for small pupils, not for zonular weakness.

Option by option

  • A. Malyugin pupil expansion ring

    A Malyugin ring holds the iris margin open in small or floppy pupils and does not support the bag.

  • B. Plate-haptic anterior chamber IOL

    An anterior chamber IOL is an alternative lens placement when no capsular support exists, not a bag stabiliser.

  • C. Capsular tension ring (correct)

    Correct. The capsular tension ring supports the bag when zonules are lax.

  • D. Iris retractor hooks

    Iris hooks retract the pupil margin to widen the pupil and do not stabilise the bag.

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 C, Capsular tension ring. A capsular tension ring is an open polymethyl methacrylate ring placed in the capsular bag to expand and stabilise it when zonules are weak, as in pseudoexfoliation, Marfan syndrome or trauma.

Why is "Malyugin pupil expansion ring" not the answer?

A Malyugin ring holds the iris margin open in small or floppy pupils and does not support the bag.

Why is "Plate-haptic anterior chamber IOL" not the answer?

An anterior chamber IOL is an alternative lens placement when no capsular support exists, not a bag stabiliser.

Why is "Iris retractor hooks" not the answer?

Iris hooks retract the pupil margin to widen the pupil and do not stabilise the bag.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: capsular tension ring in Ophthalmology. Pupil expanders and iris hooks are for small pupils, not for zonular weakness.

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 Lens and cataract: capsular tension ring?

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.