Pupil: Argyll Robertson: 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 · Pupil: Argyll Robertson

Sample item

A patient has small irregular pupils that do not react to light but constrict on accommodation. What is the most likely cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Neurosyphilis

Argyll Robertson pupils show light-near dissociation due to a lesion near the pretectal area and are classically from tertiary syphilis. They are bilateral, small and irregular and dilate poorly with atropine.

Option by option

  • A. Pilocarpine use

    Pilocarpine constricts pupils but they still react to light.

  • B. Adie syndrome

    Adie pupils are unilateral and large and tonic.

  • C. Neurosyphilis (correct)

    Correct. Light-near dissociation with small irregular pupils indicates neurosyphilis.

  • D. Diabetes insipidus

    Diabetes insipidus does not affect pupils.

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 C, Neurosyphilis. Argyll Robertson pupils show light-near dissociation due to a lesion near the pretectal area and are classically from tertiary syphilis.

Why is "Pilocarpine use" not the answer?

Pilocarpine constricts pupils but they still react to light.

Why is "Adie syndrome" not the answer?

Adie pupils are unilateral and large and tonic.

Why is "Diabetes insipidus" not the answer?

Diabetes insipidus does not affect pupils.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pupil: Argyll Robertson in Ophthalmology. They are bilateral, small and irregular and dilate poorly with atropine.

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 Pupil: Argyll Robertson?

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.