In corneal neovascularization, which statement is true?

In corneal neovascularization, which statement is true?

• A. Regression is guaranteed after the critical period
• B. The stages include edema and scarring
• C. Ghost vessels indicate complete restoration
• D. Ghost vessels represent non-branching linear vessels in the cornea

Answer: (D)

Ghost vessels in the cornea are remnants of vessels that regressed after neovascularization. They no longer carry blood flow and exist as faint, linear tubular structures left behind in the stroma. Because they are empty tubes without branching or perfusion, they appear as non-branching, straight lines. This description fits what ghost vessels actually are: residual, nonfunctional vessels that signal prior angiogenesis rather than new, active growth. They don’t indicate complete restoration; instead, they reflect past neovascularization with a scaffold that can, under the right stimuli, serve as a path for revascularization. Other statements aren’t as accurate because regression isn’t guaranteed after a critical period, and edema or scarring aren’t defining features of ghost vessels.

Ghost vessels in the cornea are remnants of vessels that regressed after neovascularization. They no longer carry blood flow and exist as faint, linear tubular structures left behind in the stroma. Because they are empty tubes without branching or perfusion, they appear as non-branching, straight lines. This description fits what ghost vessels actually are: residual, nonfunctional vessels that signal prior angiogenesis rather than new, active growth. They don’t indicate complete restoration; instead, they reflect past neovascularization with a scaffold that can, under the right stimuli, serve as a path for revascularization. Other statements aren’t as accurate because regression isn’t guaranteed after a critical period, and edema or scarring aren’t defining features of ghost vessels.