FREE Cornea and External Disease Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real Board Certified Ophthalmologist practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 FREE Cornea and External Disease Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A corneal biopsy specimen shows granular, hyaline deposits that stain bright red with Masson trichrome stain. Which type of corneal dystrophy does this finding indicate?
Answer: Granular corneal dystrophy (GCD)
Granular corneal dystrophy deposits are composed of hyaline (mutant transforming growth factor beta-induced protein) that characteristically stain bright red with Masson trichrome.
A 60-year-old woman with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy reports that her vision is worst upon waking and gradually improves throughout the day. What is the pathophysiologic explanation for this pattern?
Answer: Overnight lid closure reduces tear evaporation, increasing corneal edema
During sleep, closed lids prevent tear film evaporation, causing relative corneal hydration that worsens edema in a cornea with compromised endothelial pump function.
A patient presents with a shield ulcer at the superior cornea associated with giant papillae on the upper tarsal conjunctiva. Which condition is most likely responsible?
Answer: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Shield ulcers are a hallmark complication of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, caused by mechanical trauma from giant papillae and inflammatory mediators on the superior corneal epithelium.
Which surgical procedure involves selective transplantation of the posterior stroma, Descemet membrane, and endothelium while leaving the recipient's anterior stroma intact?
Answer: Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK)
DSAEK involves transplanting a posterior lamellar graft consisting of posterior stroma, Descemet membrane, and endothelium, making it ideal for endothelial dysfunction with a healthy anterior cornea.
A 25-year-old presents with bilateral band-shaped corneal opacities in the interpalpebral zone at the level of Bowman layer. Serum calcium is elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Band keratopathy
Band keratopathy is caused by calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in Bowman layer and the superficial stroma, often associated with hypercalcemia, chronic uveitis, or ocular surface disease.
During evaluation of a corneal laceration, a dark tissue is noted plugging the wound. The anterior chamber is shallow compared to the fellow eye. What is the most critical next step?
Answer: Protect the eye with a rigid shield and arrange emergent surgical repair
Prolapsed uveal tissue plugging a corneal laceration with a shallow anterior chamber indicates an open globe requiring emergent surgical repair with a protective shield placed immediately.