Question Easy:
A 55-year-old man presents with sudden, painless loss of vision in his right eye. He reports seeing a “curtain” slowly coming down over his field of vision. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Retinal detachment
B) Glaucoma
C) Optic neuritis
D) Macular degeneration
E) Cataract
Question Medium:
A 32-year-old woman with a history of multiple sclerosis comes to the clinic complaining of blurred vision and pain on eye movement. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Diabetic retinopathy
B) Retinal vein occlusion
C) Optic neuritis
D) Conjunctivitis
E) Myasthenia gravis
Question Hard:
A 60-year-old woman presents with worsening vision and night blindness. On examination, you notice bone spicule pigmentation in the retina. Which inherited retinal disorder is she most likely suffering from?
A) Stargardt disease
B) Retinitis pigmentosa
C) Leber’s congenital amaurosis
D) Achromatopsia
E) Best disease
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer:
A) Retinal detachment
Question Easy Explanation:
Retinal detachment typically presents with sudden, painless loss of vision often described as a “curtain” coming down over the eye. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent evaluation by an ophthalmologist. According to NICE guidelines, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
Question Medium Answer:
C) Optic neuritis
Question Medium Explanation:
Optic neuritis is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis and can present with blurred vision and pain on eye movement. The NICE guidelines on multiple sclerosis emphasize the importance of considering optic neuritis in patients with relevant symptoms, given its common association with the disease.
Question Hard Answer:
B) Retinitis pigmentosa
Question Hard Explanation:
Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited retinal disorder characterized by progressive peripheral vision loss and night blindness, often associated with bone spicule pigmentation in the retina. The NHS guidelines stress the importance of genetic counseling and supportive care for affected patients.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that retinitis pigmentosa is the most common inherited retinal degenerative disease, and it affects around 1 in 4,000 people in the UK? Early diagnosis and follow-up care are crucial to managing the progression of this condition.
Quote of the day: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Keep pushing forward, healers.” 🩺✨