Cornea: herpes simplex 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.

Try it

Ophthalmology · Cornea: herpes simplex keratitis

Sample item

A patient has a branching corneal ulcer with terminal bulbs that stains with fluorescein. What is the initial treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Topical acyclovir 3 percent ointment

This is a dendritic ulcer of epithelial herpes simplex keratitis. Topical antivirals such as acyclovir or ganciclovir are used, and steroids are contraindicated in active epithelial disease.

Option by option

  • A. Topical natamycin

    Natamycin is for fungi.

  • B. Topical timolol

    Timolol is an antiglaucoma drug.

  • C. Topical acyclovir 3 percent ointment (correct)

    Correct. Antiviral treatment is indicated.

  • D. Topical prednisolone

    Steroids spread epithelial herpetic disease into geographic ulcers.

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, Topical acyclovir 3 percent ointment. This is a dendritic ulcer of epithelial herpes simplex keratitis.

Why is "Topical natamycin" not the answer?

Natamycin is for fungi.

Why is "Topical timolol" not the answer?

Timolol is an antiglaucoma drug.

Why is "Topical prednisolone" not the answer?

Steroids spread epithelial herpetic disease into geographic ulcers.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cornea: herpes simplex keratitis in Ophthalmology. Topical antivirals such as acyclovir or ganciclovir are used, and steroids are contraindicated in active epithelial disease.

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 Cornea: herpes simplex 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.