Cornea: limbal stem cell deficiency: 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 · Cornea: limbal stem cell deficiency

Sample item

After an alkali burn, the cornea becomes covered by vascularised conjunctival tissue with a persistent epithelial defect. Which procedure addresses the root problem?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Limbal stem cell transplantation

Limbal stem cells replenish the corneal epithelium, and their loss causes conjunctivalisation, neovascularisation and chronic defects. Penetrating keratoplasty alone fails because the new graft would also be resurfaced by conjunctiva.

Option by option

  • A. Pterygium excision

    Pterygium excision does not restore stem cells.

  • B. Limbal stem cell transplantation (correct)

    Correct. Replacing limbal stem cells restores a normal epithelium.

  • C. Lateral tarsorrhaphy only

    Tarsorrhaphy protects but does not restore epithelium.

  • D. Penetrating keratoplasty alone

    A graft without limbal restoration usually fails.

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, Limbal stem cell transplantation. Limbal stem cells replenish the corneal epithelium, and their loss causes conjunctivalisation, neovascularisation and chronic defects.

Why is "Pterygium excision" not the answer?

Pterygium excision does not restore stem cells.

Why is "Lateral tarsorrhaphy only" not the answer?

Tarsorrhaphy protects but does not restore epithelium.

Why is "Penetrating keratoplasty alone" not the answer?

A graft without limbal restoration usually fails.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cornea: limbal stem cell deficiency in Ophthalmology. Penetrating keratoplasty alone fails because the new graft would also be resurfaced by conjunctiva.

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: limbal stem cell deficiency?

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.