Mechanical defect that results in epithelial disruption upon lens removal, with signs of limbal/bulbar hyperemia, tearing, and photophobia?

Mechanical defect that results in epithelial disruption upon lens removal, with signs of limbal/bulbar hyperemia, tearing, and photophobia?

• A. Corneal erosion
• B. Corneal abrasion
• C. Lens binding
• D. Conjunctivitis

Answer: (A)

Mechanical disruption of the corneal epithelium from contact lens wear leads to a corneal erosion. When the lens is removed, the already compromised epithelial cells can shear away, exposing the corneal surface and triggering pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. The redness around the corneal margin (limbal/bulbar hyperemia) comes from irritation of the surrounding conjunctiva and corneal nerves. This pattern is classic for a superficial corneal epithelial defect caused by mechanical trauma from the lens. Corneal abrasion would be a direct traumatic scratch to the cornea, often from an external injury rather than lens-related rubbing. Lens binding is a lens-fit issue that causes irritation but doesn’t specifically describe epithelial disruption after lens removal. Conjunctivitis involves conjunctival inflammation and discharge rather than a primary corneal epithelial defect.

Mechanical disruption of the corneal epithelium from contact lens wear leads to a corneal erosion. When the lens is removed, the already compromised epithelial cells can shear away, exposing the corneal surface and triggering pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. The redness around the corneal margin (limbal/bulbar hyperemia) comes from irritation of the surrounding conjunctiva and corneal nerves. This pattern is classic for a superficial corneal epithelial defect caused by mechanical trauma from the lens.

Corneal abrasion would be a direct traumatic scratch to the cornea, often from an external injury rather than lens-related rubbing. Lens binding is a lens-fit issue that causes irritation but doesn’t specifically describe epithelial disruption after lens removal. Conjunctivitis involves conjunctival inflammation and discharge rather than a primary corneal epithelial defect.