Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by a red eye with an irregularly shaped pupil?

1. Anterior uveitis

2. Retinal detachment

3. Glaucoma

4. Cataract

The correct answer is: Anterior uveitis

The condition characterized by a red eye with an irregularly shaped pupil is anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis involves inflammation of the uveal tract, specifically the iris and ciliary body, and can lead to changes in the appearance of the pupil, such as irregularity in shape. This may occur due to the presence of inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber of the eye, which can affect the positioning and shape of the pupil mechanism—specifically, the muscles controlling pupil size and shape may be functionally disrupted by the inflammation. In addition, accompanying symptoms such as pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and diminished vision may also be present. The redness of the eye is due to conjunctival injection, which often accompanies inflammatory processes in the eye. Other conditions mentioned do not typically present with an irregularly shaped pupil alongside a red eye. For instance, retinal detachment usually presents with symptoms like floaters or flashes of light and does not cause changes in pupil shape. Glaucoma may cause a red eye but is more associated with a mid-dilated pupil and increased intraocular pressure. Cataracts can lead to blurred vision and lens opacity but do not generally produce a red eye with an irregularly shaped pupil.