Cataract: cortical type: 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 · Cataract: cortical type

Sample item

A patient complains of glare and monocular diplopia and has wedge-shaped spokes at the lens periphery. Which type of cataract is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cortical cataract

Cortical cataract begins with water clefts and vacuoles and progresses to radial spoke-like opacities. The hydration changes scatter light, which gives glare and monocular diplopia.

Option by option

  • A. Cortical cataract (correct)

    Correct. Spoke-like peripheral opacities define the cortical type.

  • B. Congenital zonular cataract

    Zonular cataracts are present from birth.

  • C. Nuclear cataract

    Nuclear cataract affects the central lens and causes myopic shift.

  • D. Posterior subcapsular cataract

    Posterior subcapsular lies on the back of the lens and causes glare in bright light.

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 A, Cortical cataract. Cortical cataract begins with water clefts and vacuoles and progresses to radial spoke-like opacities.

Why is "Congenital zonular cataract" not the answer?

Zonular cataracts are present from birth.

Why is "Nuclear cataract" not the answer?

Nuclear cataract affects the central lens and causes myopic shift.

Why is "Posterior subcapsular cataract" not the answer?

Posterior subcapsular lies on the back of the lens and causes glare in bright light.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cataract: cortical type in Ophthalmology. The hydration changes scatter light, which gives glare and monocular diplopia.

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 Cataract: cortical type?

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.