Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of anterior uveitis?

1. Painful eye

2. Light sensitivity

3. Retinal hemorrhage

4. Redness of the eye

The correct answer is: Retinal hemorrhage

The correct response identifies retinal hemorrhage as not being a typical feature of anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis primarily affects the anterior segment of the uveal tract, which includes the iris and ciliary body. In cases of anterior uveitis, symptoms often include significant pain in the affected eye, heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia), and redness due to conjunctival injection. These signs occur because of inflammation in the area, which can cause discomfort and lead to a reflex response, including increased tear production and redness from the vascular response to inflammation. Retinal hemorrhage, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the retina or vitreous, such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion. It is not a direct consequence of the inflammatory processes inherent to anterior uveitis. Thus, recognizing retinal hemorrhage as not typically associated with anterior uveitis helps in differentiating it from other ocular conditions.