Amblyopia: 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 · Amblyopia

Sample item

Why is early detection of unequal vision in a young child so important?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Visual cortex plasticity is limited to early childhood, so untreated amblyopia becomes permanent

The visual pathway develops during a sensitive period and responds to treatment such as glasses, patching or atropine only while still plastic. After the critical period, vision gain is minimal.

Option by option

  • A. Axial length of the eye is fixed by age two

    The eye continues to grow into adolescence.

  • B. Lens accommodation is lost after seven years

    Accommodation persists until presbyopia.

  • C. Photoreceptors degenerate after school age

    Photoreceptor loss is not the mechanism.

  • D. Visual cortex plasticity is limited to early childhood, so untreated amblyopia becomes permanent (correct)

    Correct. A time-limited sensitive period makes early treatment crucial.

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, Visual cortex plasticity is limited to early childhood, so untreated amblyopia becomes permanent. The visual pathway develops during a sensitive period and responds to treatment such as glasses, patching or atropine only while still plastic.

Why is "Axial length of the eye is fixed by age two" not the answer?

The eye continues to grow into adolescence.

Why is "Lens accommodation is lost after seven years" not the answer?

Accommodation persists until presbyopia.

Why is "Photoreceptors degenerate after school age" not the answer?

Photoreceptor loss is not the mechanism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Amblyopia in Ophthalmology. After the critical period, vision gain is minimal.

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 Amblyopia?

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.