Cataract: phacolytic glaucoma: 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 · Cataract: phacolytic glaucoma

Sample item

A patient with a hypermature cataract develops a painful red eye with high IOP, an open angle and white flakes in the anterior chamber. What is the mechanism?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Trabecular blockage by macrophages laden with lens protein

Lens proteins leak through the intact capsule and are phagocytosed by macrophages, which clog the trabecular meshwork. Treatment is IOP control followed by cataract extraction.

Option by option

  • A. Neovascularisation of the angle

    Neovascular glaucoma follows ischaemic retinal disease.

  • B. Trabecular blockage by macrophages laden with lens protein (correct)

    Correct. Macrophages with lens protein block outflow.

  • C. Steroid response

    No steroids are involved.

  • D. Pupillary block by the swollen lens

    Pupillary block describes phacomorphic glaucoma with a closed angle.

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 B, Trabecular blockage by macrophages laden with lens protein. Lens proteins leak through the intact capsule and are phagocytosed by macrophages, which clog the trabecular meshwork.

Why is "Neovascularisation of the angle" not the answer?

Neovascular glaucoma follows ischaemic retinal disease.

Why is "Steroid response" not the answer?

No steroids are involved.

Why is "Pupillary block by the swollen lens" not the answer?

Pupillary block describes phacomorphic glaucoma with a closed angle.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cataract: phacolytic glaucoma in Ophthalmology. Treatment is IOP control followed by cataract extraction.

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 Cataract: phacolytic glaucoma?

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.