FCPS Part 1 Ophthalmology: Glaucoma MCQs — High-Yield Concepts

Glaucoma is a 120-question subject in HighYield's FCPS Part 1 Ophthalmology question bank — built directly from past papers, verified recalls and a dedicated ophthalmology MCQ textbook. It's tested heavily because it combines mechanism (how aqueous humor is produced and drained), pattern recognition (acute vs chronic presentations) and pharmacology (how each drug class lowers intraocular pressure) into a single, examiner-friendly subject. Below is a sample set.

Mechanism & Diagnosis

1. Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body and primarily drains through the trabecular meshwork into the:

• A) Central retinal vein
• B) Schlemm's canal ✅
• C) Vortex veins
• D) Canal of Cloquet

2. The gold-standard method for measuring intraocular pressure is:

• A) Non-contact (air-puff) tonometry
• B) Goldmann applanation tonometry ✅
• C) Schiotz tonometry
• D) Tono-Pen tonometry

3. An increased cup-to-disc ratio, or marked asymmetry between the two eyes, on fundoscopy is suggestive of:

• A) Papilloedema
• B) Glaucomatous optic neuropathy ✅
• C) Optic neuritis
• D) Central retinal artery occlusion

Clinical Presentations

4. Primary open-angle glaucoma is typically:

• A) Acutely painful with sudden vision loss
• B) Asymptomatic until advanced visual field loss occurs ✅
• C) Associated with a red, painful eye from onset
• D) Reversible without treatment

5. Severe eye pain, haloes around lights, a fixed mid-dilated pupil and a red eye describe an attack of:

• A) Primary open-angle glaucoma
• B) Acute angle-closure glaucoma ✅
• C) Uveitic glaucoma
• D) Normal-tension glaucoma

6. The visual field defect most classically associated with glaucoma is a:

• A) Central scotoma
• B) Arcuate scotoma respecting the horizontal meridian ✅
• C) Bitemporal hemianopia
• D) Homonymous hemianopia

Treatment

7. Topical prostaglandin analogues (e.g. latanoprost), a common first-line therapy, lower intraocular pressure mainly by:

• A) Decreasing aqueous humor production
• B) Increasing uveoscleral outflow ✅
• C) Constricting the pupil
• D) Reducing episcleral venous pressure

8. Topical beta-blockers (e.g. timolol) lower intraocular pressure by:

• A) Increasing trabecular outflow
• B) Decreasing aqueous humor production ✅
• C) Increasing uveoscleral outflow
• D) Causing pupillary constriction

9. The definitive treatment for an acute angle-closure attack, once pressure is medically controlled, is:

• A) Long-term topical beta-blockers alone
• B) Laser peripheral iridotomy ✅
• C) Oral corticosteroids
• D) Observation

Why Glaucoma Is Worth Extra Time

Glaucoma questions reward candidates who understand mechanism rather than memorise isolated facts — the same aqueous humor pathway explains why prostaglandin analogues, beta-blockers and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors each lower pressure differently, and why an acute angle-closure attack is a true ophthalmic emergency while primary open-angle glaucoma can progress silently for years. That mix of physiology, pattern recognition and pharmacology is exactly what CPSP's one-best-answer format tends to test.

Looking for a Mock Exam, Not Just More Questions to Read?

If what you actually want is a timed FCPS Part 1 Ophthalmology mock exam — not another static list to read through — that's exactly what the free sample on the Glaucoma subject page gives you: the same timed, explained format as the full bank.

HighYield's FCPS Part 1 Ophthalmology bank covers every subject in CPSP's syllabus — Cornea & External Disease, Retina & Vitreous, Glaucoma, Uveitis, Cataract & Lens, Orbit & Oculoplastics, Neuro-ophthalmology, Strabismus & Paediatric Ophthalmology, Refraction & Optics and Ocular Trauma — every question explained. Try the first 20 questions free, no sign-in required. For the two largest subject pools, see our Cornea & Retina MCQs post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is glaucoma high-yield for FCPS Part 1 Ophthalmology?

Yes — at 120 questions it's one of the larger subject pools in the bank, and it recurs heavily in past papers because of its blend of physiology, diagnosis and pharmacology.

What's the difference between open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma?

Primary open-angle glaucoma is usually asymptomatic and progresses slowly, detected through routine IOP checks and fundoscopy. Acute angle-closure glaucoma presents suddenly with severe pain, haloes and a red eye, and is an ophthalmic emergency.

Which drug classes come up most for glaucoma treatment questions?

Prostaglandin analogues (increase uveoscleral outflow), beta-blockers (decrease aqueous production) and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are the three most commonly tested mechanisms.