How does microcystic edema appear?

How does microcystic edema appear?

• A. Small black epithelial disruptions seen as spheres scattered through epithelial midperiphery
• B. Large epithelial bullae
• C. Diffuse stromal haze
• D. Subepithelial neovascularization

Answer: (A)

Microcystic edema shows up as tiny cyst-like spaces within the corneal epithelium. On exam, you’ll see small dark, spherical disruptions scattered through the midperipheral epithelium, reflecting fluid-filled microcysts in that epithelial layer. This contrasts with large epithelial bullae (which are big blister-like elevations), diffuse stromal haze (edema in the stroma causing a milky look), or subepithelial neovascularization (new vessels just under the epithelium from chronic hypoxia). The small, scattered epithelial microcysts are the hallmark of epithelial microcystic edema.

Microcystic edema shows up as tiny cyst-like spaces within the corneal epithelium. On exam, you’ll see small dark, spherical disruptions scattered through the midperipheral epithelium, reflecting fluid-filled microcysts in that epithelial layer. This contrasts with large epithelial bullae (which are big blister-like elevations), diffuse stromal haze (edema in the stroma causing a milky look), or subepithelial neovascularization (new vessels just under the epithelium from chronic hypoxia). The small, scattered epithelial microcysts are the hallmark of epithelial microcystic edema.