Retina: 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 · Retina

Sample item

A pale retina with a cherry-red spot at the macula and sudden painless loss of vision indicates:

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Central retinal artery occlusion

In central retinal artery occlusion the retina turns white from ischaemia, but the fovea retains its red colour because it is supplied by the choroid. It is an ophthalmic emergency and is linked to carotid disease and embolism.

Option by option

  • A. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

    Proliferative diabetic retinopathy shows new vessels and haemorrhages.

  • B. Central retinal artery occlusion (correct)

    Correct. The thin fovea lets the choroidal red show through the pale retina.

  • C. Central retinal vein occlusion

    Central retinal vein occlusion causes a 'blood and thunder' fundus with haemorrhages.

  • D. Retinal detachment

    Retinal detachment causes flashes, floaters and a curtain over the field.

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, Central retinal artery occlusion. In central retinal artery occlusion the retina turns white from ischaemia, but the fovea retains its red colour because it is supplied by the choroid.

Why is "Proliferative diabetic retinopathy" not the answer?

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy shows new vessels and haemorrhages.

Why is "Central retinal vein occlusion" not the answer?

Central retinal vein occlusion causes a 'blood and thunder' fundus with haemorrhages.

Why is "Retinal detachment" not the answer?

Retinal detachment causes flashes, floaters and a curtain over the field.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina in Ophthalmology. It is an ophthalmic emergency and is linked to carotid disease and embolism.

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 Retina?

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.