Dry eye: tear break-up time: 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 · Dry eye: tear break-up time

Sample item

Tear film break-up time is shortened in which situation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Mucin or lipid layer deficiency

Break-up time reflects tear film stability, which depends on mucin and lipid layers. A value of less than 10 seconds is abnormal.

Option by option

  • A. Normal ageing of the cornea

    Ageing alone does not shorten break-up time.

  • B. Excess reflex tearing

    Reflex tearing floods the surface and does not cause early break-up.

  • C. Isolated lacrimal duct obstruction

    Duct obstruction affects drainage and not film stability.

  • D. Mucin or lipid layer deficiency (correct)

    Correct. Unstable tear film from mucin or lipid deficiency breaks up early.

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 D, Mucin or lipid layer deficiency. Break-up time reflects tear film stability, which depends on mucin and lipid layers.

Why is "Normal ageing of the cornea" not the answer?

Ageing alone does not shorten break-up time.

Why is "Excess reflex tearing" not the answer?

Reflex tearing floods the surface and does not cause early break-up.

Why is "Isolated lacrimal duct obstruction" not the answer?

Duct obstruction affects drainage and not film stability.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dry eye: tear break-up time in Ophthalmology. A value of less than 10 seconds is abnormal.

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 Dry eye: tear break-up time?

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.