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.

Try it

Ophthalmology · Cornea: neurotrophic keratitis

Sample item

After a trigeminal neurectomy, a patient develops a persistent central epithelial defect with no pain. What is the underlying cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Loss of corneal sensation and trophic factors

Neurotrophic keratitis follows loss of trigeminal supply, with reduced blink and tear reflexes and poor epithelial healing. Treatment includes lubricants, tarsorrhaphy and recombinant nerve growth factor.

Option by option

  • A. Corneal vascularisation

    Vascularisation is a consequence rather than the cause.

  • B. Bacterial infection

    Infection may supervene but it is not the primary mechanism.

  • C. Excess tear production

    Tear production usually falls.

  • D. Loss of corneal sensation and trophic factors (correct)

    Correct. Absent sensation impairs protection and healing.

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 D, Loss of corneal sensation and trophic factors. Neurotrophic keratitis follows loss of trigeminal supply, with reduced blink and tear reflexes and poor epithelial healing.

Why is "Corneal vascularisation" not the answer?

Vascularisation is a consequence rather than the cause.

Why is "Bacterial infection" not the answer?

Infection may supervene but it is not the primary mechanism.

Why is "Excess tear production" not the answer?

Tear production usually falls.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cornea: neurotrophic keratitis in Ophthalmology. Treatment includes lubricants, tarsorrhaphy and recombinant nerve growth factor.

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.