Lens and cataract: multifocal lens symptoms: 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 · Lens and cataract: multifocal lens symptoms

Sample item

A 62-year-old woman is delighted with distance and near vision after bilateral multifocal lens implants, but complains of halos around night lights and difficulty reading in dim light. What explains this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Light splitting between foci reduces contrast and causes dysphotopsia

Multifocal optics divide light among foci, reducing contrast sensitivity and producing halos and glare, especially at night. Posterior capsule opacification and macular oedema reduce acuity at all times. These symptoms are expected trade-offs of the design.

Option by option

  • A. Cystoid macular oedema

    Macular oedema reduces acuity and causes distortion rather than halos.

  • B. Retained lens cortex

    Retained cortex gives early inflammation or haze, not delayed night halos.

  • C. Posterior capsule opacification

    Posterior capsule opacification blurs vision generally and does not produce this selective complaint.

  • D. Light splitting between foci reduces contrast and causes dysphotopsia (correct)

    Correct. Splitting light among foci lowers contrast and produces halos.

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, Light splitting between foci reduces contrast and causes dysphotopsia. Multifocal optics divide light among foci, reducing contrast sensitivity and producing halos and glare, especially at night.

Why is "Cystoid macular oedema" not the answer?

Macular oedema reduces acuity and causes distortion rather than halos.

Why is "Retained lens cortex" not the answer?

Retained cortex gives early inflammation or haze, not delayed night halos.

Why is "Posterior capsule opacification" not the answer?

Posterior capsule opacification blurs vision generally and does not produce this selective complaint.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: multifocal lens symptoms in Ophthalmology. Posterior capsule opacification and macular oedema reduce acuity at all times. These symptoms are expected trade-offs of the design.

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 Lens and cataract: multifocal lens symptoms?

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.