How does corneal edema/striae appear?

How does corneal edema/striae appear?

• A. Final white vertical lines in posterior stroma/Descemet's
• B. Diffuse stromal haze
• C. Epithelial microcysts
• D. Superficial conjunctival injection

Answer: (A)

Corneal edema causes fluid to accumulate in the corneal stroma, leading to thickening and folding of the posterior layers. The hallmark on exam is Descemet's membrane folds, which appear as white lines in the posterior stroma/Descemet’s region. These striae reflect the edema’s effect on the posterior cornea and are the characteristic sign of this condition. Diffuse stromal haze can occur with edema but is more general clouding, not the distinct posterior folds. Epithelial microcysts relate to surface epithelial changes, often from hypoxia or irritation, not the posterior Descemet’s folds. Superficial conjunctival injection signals surface inflammation, not the corneal edema pattern.

Corneal edema causes fluid to accumulate in the corneal stroma, leading to thickening and folding of the posterior layers. The hallmark on exam is Descemet's membrane folds, which appear as white lines in the posterior stroma/Descemet’s region. These striae reflect the edema’s effect on the posterior cornea and are the characteristic sign of this condition.

Diffuse stromal haze can occur with edema but is more general clouding, not the distinct posterior folds. Epithelial microcysts relate to surface epithelial changes, often from hypoxia or irritation, not the posterior Descemet’s folds. Superficial conjunctival injection signals surface inflammation, not the corneal edema pattern.