Cataract: myotonic dystrophy: 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: myotonic dystrophy

Sample item

A man with frontal balding, ptosis and grip myotonia has multicoloured iridescent lens opacities. What are these called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Christmas tree cataract

Myotonic dystrophy has polychromatic crystals in the lens cortex, described as a Christmas tree cataract. Other features include ptosis, cardiac conduction defects and testicular atrophy.

Option by option

  • A. Snowflake cataract

    Snowflake cataract is diabetic.

  • B. Rosette cataract

    Rosette cataract follows blunt trauma.

  • C. Coralliform cataract

    Coralliform cataract is a congenital type.

  • D. Christmas tree cataract (correct)

    Correct. Polychromatic crystalline opacities are typical.

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, Christmas tree cataract. Myotonic dystrophy has polychromatic crystals in the lens cortex, described as a Christmas tree cataract.

Why is "Snowflake cataract" not the answer?

Snowflake cataract is diabetic.

Why is "Rosette cataract" not the answer?

Rosette cataract follows blunt trauma.

Why is "Coralliform cataract" not the answer?

Coralliform cataract is a congenital type.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cataract: myotonic dystrophy in Ophthalmology. Other features include ptosis, cardiac conduction defects and testicular atrophy.

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: myotonic dystrophy?

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.