A minor scratch to the eye's cornea is called what?

A minor scratch to the eye's cornea is called what?

• A. Cataract
• B. Foreign Object in the Eye
• C. Corneal Abrasion
• D. Eye Floaters

Answer: (C)

A corneal abrasion is a minor scratch on the front surface of the eye, the cornea. The cornea’s outer layer, the epithelium, is scraped or worn away, causing irritation, a gritty sensation, tearing, and sensitivity to light. This term fits the description best because it specifically describes a surface injury to the cornea itself. Cataract refers to clouding of the lens inside the eye, not a surface scratch, so it doesn’t match. A foreign object in the eye denotes an external object present on or in the eye, which is a different issue from a scratch on the corneal surface. Eye floaters are tiny spots or strands seen in vision due to happenings inside the eyeball (the vitreous), not the corneal surface.

A corneal abrasion is a minor scratch on the front surface of the eye, the cornea. The cornea’s outer layer, the epithelium, is scraped or worn away, causing irritation, a gritty sensation, tearing, and sensitivity to light. This term fits the description best because it specifically describes a surface injury to the cornea itself.

Cataract refers to clouding of the lens inside the eye, not a surface scratch, so it doesn’t match. A foreign object in the eye denotes an external object present on or in the eye, which is a different issue from a scratch on the corneal surface. Eye floaters are tiny spots or strands seen in vision due to happenings inside the eyeball (the vitreous), not the corneal surface.