SBA Ophthalmological Conditions

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Ophthalmology SBA Questions

A 50-year-old patient presents with a slowly growing, red, thickened area on the nasal conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Pinguecula
  • Pterygium
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Conjunctivitis

Answer: Pterygium

Explanation: A pterygium is a benign, fibrovascular growth of conjunctival tissue that extends onto the cornea, typically on the nasal side. It is associated with exposure to UV light and chronic irritation. Symptoms may include redness, irritation, and visual impairment if it encroaches on the visual axis.

A 40-year-old woman presents with severe eye pain, redness, and blurred vision after prolonged contact lens use. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Keratitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Blepharitis
  • Cataract

Answer: Keratitis

Explanation: Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, often caused by infection. Prolonged contact lens wear increases the risk of bacterial or fungal keratitis. Symptoms include severe pain, redness, photophobia, and decreased vision. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications like corneal scarring.

A child with a recent upper respiratory infection presents with eye swelling, pain with eye movement, and a fever. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Orbital cellulitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Blepharitis
  • Dacryocystitis

Answer: Orbital cellulitis

Explanation: Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues behind the orbital septum. It often arises from sinus infections spreading to the orbit. Symptoms include painful eye movements, proptosis, decreased vision, and systemic signs like fever. It is a medical emergency requiring prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent serious complications.

An elderly patient presents with gradual central vision loss. Fundoscopy reveals drusen deposits. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Cataract
  • Glaucoma

Answer: Macular degeneration

Explanation: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina (macula), leading to central vision loss. Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina and are a hallmark of dry AMD. Patients may notice difficulty reading or recognizing faces. Early detection and management can slow progression.

A 70-year-old with a history of diabetes presents with blurred vision. Fundoscopy shows microaneurysms and cotton wool spots. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Hypertensive retinopathy
  • Macular degeneration
  • Cataract

Answer: Diabetic retinopathy

Explanation: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes affecting the retinal vessels. Microaneurysms are small bulges in blood vessels, while cotton wool spots are areas of retinal ischemia. Tight glycemic control and regular ophthalmic examinations are crucial for management.

A 14-year-old boy complains of knee pain, swelling, and tenderness just below the kneecap after playing sports. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Meniscus tear
  • Anterior cruciate ligament injury
  • Osgood-Schlatter disease

Answer: Osgood-Schlatter disease

Explanation: Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse injury causing inflammation of the tibial tubercle apophysis. It is common in adolescents engaged in sports involving running and jumping. Symptoms include pain and swelling just below the kneecap, exacerbated by activity. Management includes rest, ice, and analgesia.

A patient presents with sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. Fundoscopy shows a cherry-red spot at the fovea. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Retinal artery occlusion
  • Retinal detachment
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Glaucoma

Answer: Retinal artery occlusion

Explanation: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) results from blockage of the central retinal artery, leading to ischemia of the retina. The classic cherry-red spot occurs because the macula receives its blood supply from the choroid, contrasting against the pale ischemic retina. CRAO is an ophthalmic emergency requiring immediate attention.

An elderly patient complains of gradually worsening vision, especially at night. Examination reveals lens opacity. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Cataract
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy

Answer: Cataract

Explanation: A cataract is a clouding of the lens leading to decreased vision. Symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty with night vision, and seeing halos around lights. Cataracts are common with aging and can be treated effectively with surgical lens replacement.

A child presents with persistent, painless swelling on the upper eyelid that has been present for weeks. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Chalazion
  • Stye (Hordeolum)
  • Blepharitis
  • Dacryocystitis

Answer: Chalazion

Explanation: A chalazion is a chronic granulomatous inflammation of a meibomian gland in the eyelid. It presents as a painless, firm nodule. Unlike a stye, it is not usually infected and doesn't cause acute pain. Treatment may involve warm compresses or surgical removal if persistent.

A 55-year-old male complains of headaches, scalp tenderness, and jaw pain while chewing. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • Temporal arteritis
  • Optic neuritis
  • Migraine
  • Diabetic retinopathy

Answer: Temporal arteritis

Explanation: Temporal arteritis, or giant cell arteritis, is an inflammation of the temporal arteries and can lead to serious complications like vision loss. Symptoms include unilateral headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, and sometimes visual disturbances. Immediate corticosteroid treatment is required to prevent vision loss.

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