Neuro-Ophthalmology, Visual Disorders | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct
(Verified Answers)
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS & EYE DISORDERS REVIEW
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Ophthalmology / Neuro- NR 569 Final 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
Ophthalmology / Differential
Diagnosis
Q1
What are the characteristic features of viral conjunctivitis?
Usually begins bilaterally (may start in one, quickly spreads to next), most
CORRECT ANSWER
common cause of red eye, watery discharge
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and often associated with upper respiratory infections.
● Preauricular lymphadenopathy is common (distinguishes from bacterial).
● Self-limiting; supportive care with artificial tears and cold compresses.
Q2
What are the characteristic features of bacterial conjunctivitis?
CORRECT ANSWERSudden onset, tearing, mucopurulent discharge, matting of eyelids (on
awakening), complete redness of conjunctiva, onset during winter or spring
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Bacterial conjunctivitis often presents with purulent discharge causing eyelids to stick together.
● Most common organisms: S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae.
● Topical antibiotics (erythromycin, polymyxin/trimethoprim) shorten duration.
Q3
What are the characteristic features of allergic conjunctivitis?
CORRECT ANSWERSneezing, blepharitis, itching of the eyes, itching of the roof of the mouth,
burning, rhinorrhea
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Intense itching is the hallmark symptom.
● Often seasonal (pollen) or perennial (dust mites, pet dander).
● Treatment: antihistamine eye drops (olopatadine) and avoidance of triggers.
, Q4
What is a subconjunctival hemorrhage and what causes it?
CORRECT ANSWERBright red patches in conjunctiva of eyes due to ruptured blood vessels; caused
by Valsalva maneuver, induced by heavy lifting or coughing spell
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Usually benign and resolves spontaneously in 1-2 weeks.
● May also occur with trauma, straining, vomiting, or anticoagulation.
● No treatment needed unless recurrent or associated with other symptoms.
Q5
What are the symptoms of TIAs involving the vertebrobasilar system?
CORRECT ANSWER Blurred vision, diplopia (double vision), dizziness
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Vertebrobasilar TIAs affect posterior circulation (occipital lobes, cerebellum, brainstem).
● Other symptoms: ataxia, dysarthria, drop attacks, perioral numbness.
● Differentiate from anterior circulation TIAs (hemiparesis, aphasia).
Q6
An elderly patient complains of difficulty driving at night due to glare from lights or too bright
daylight. What conditions should be suspected?
CORRECT ANSWER Cataracts, glaucoma
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Cataracts cause light scattering → glare and halos around lights.
● Glaucoma can cause decreased contrast sensitivity and difficulty adapting to light changes.
● Cataract surgery restores normal night vision in most cases.
Q7
Which substances may precipitate visual auras of migraine with or without headache?
CORRECT ANSWER Chocolate, red wine, vasodilator medications
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Common migraine triggers include tyramine-rich foods (chocolate, aged cheese, red wine).
● Vasodilators (nitroglycerin) can trigger migraine headaches.
● Visual auras typically last 5-60 minutes and precede headache.