Lens and cataract: contraindication to intracapsular extraction: 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: contraindication to intracapsular extraction

Sample item

Why is intracapsular cataract extraction avoided in children and young adults?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Firm vitreous attachment to the lens capsule

In the young the hyaloideocapsular ligament of Wieger binds the vitreous face firmly to the posterior capsule, so removing the lens within its capsule causes vitreous loss. The attachment weakens with age, which makes ICCE feasible in the elderly.

Option by option

  • A. Excessively thick cornea

    Corneal thickness has no bearing on the choice of extraction method.

  • B. Very hard nucleus

    Young lenses are soft; hard nuclei are a problem of the elderly.

  • C. Firm vitreous attachment to the lens capsule (correct)

    Correct. A strong vitreous-capsule attachment would pull vitreous out with the lens.

  • D. A high risk of angle closure

    Angle closure is not the reason for avoiding the method.

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 C, Firm vitreous attachment to the lens capsule. In the young the hyaloideocapsular ligament of Wieger binds the vitreous face firmly to the posterior capsule, so removing the lens within its capsule causes vitreous loss.

Why is "Excessively thick cornea" not the answer?

Corneal thickness has no bearing on the choice of extraction method.

Why is "Very hard nucleus" not the answer?

Young lenses are soft; hard nuclei are a problem of the elderly.

Why is "A high risk of angle closure" not the answer?

Angle closure is not the reason for avoiding the method.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: contraindication to intracapsular extraction in Ophthalmology. The attachment weakens with age, which makes ICCE feasible in the elderly.

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 and cataract: contraindication to intracapsular extraction?

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.