Conjunctiva: follicles and papillae: 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 · Conjunctiva: follicles and papillae

Sample item

A student sees lymphoid follicles on the inferior palpebral conjunctiva. Which cause is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Viral or chlamydial conjunctivitis

Follicles are germinal centres of lymphoid tissue, typical of viral, chlamydial and some toxic conjunctivitis. Papillae with a central vascular tuft occur in bacterial and allergic disease.

Option by option

  • A. Vernal conjunctivitis only

    Vernal conjunctivitis produces large cobblestone papillae.

  • B. Bacterial conjunctivitis

    Bacterial conjunctivitis usually gives a papillary reaction.

  • C. Giant papillary conjunctivitis

    Giant papillae occur with contact lens or prosthesis use.

  • D. Viral or chlamydial conjunctivitis (correct)

    Correct. Follicular response is typical of viral and chlamydial infection.

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, Viral or chlamydial conjunctivitis. Follicles are germinal centres of lymphoid tissue, typical of viral, chlamydial and some toxic conjunctivitis.

Why is "Vernal conjunctivitis only" not the answer?

Vernal conjunctivitis produces large cobblestone papillae.

Why is "Bacterial conjunctivitis" not the answer?

Bacterial conjunctivitis usually gives a papillary reaction.

Why is "Giant papillary conjunctivitis" not the answer?

Giant papillae occur with contact lens or prosthesis use.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Conjunctiva: follicles and papillae in Ophthalmology. Papillae with a central vascular tuft occur in bacterial and allergic 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 Conjunctiva: follicles and papillae?

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.