Which term describes the collection of inflammatory cells that appear as white/greyish aggregates on the cornea?

Which term describes the collection of inflammatory cells that appear as white/greyish aggregates on the cornea?

• A. Conjunctival follicles
• B. Corneal ulcers
• C. Scleral nodules
• D. Corneal infiltrates

Answer: (D)

Corneal infiltrates describe clusters of inflammatory cells that settle within the corneal stroma, showing up as white or grayish aggregates on the cornea. These infiltrates arise as the eye’s immune response to infection or irritation, mobilizing leukocytes into the corneal tissue to fight off pathogens or manage inflammation. They’re located inside the cornea rather than on its surface, which helps distinguish them from other findings. Conjunctival follicles, for example, are tissue on the conjunctiva and reflect lymphoid structures rather than corneal inflammation. Corneal ulcers involve epithelial breakdown with tissue loss and surface exposure, often accompanied by pain. Scleral nodules are inflammatory nodules on the sclera, not within the corneal tissue.

Corneal infiltrates describe clusters of inflammatory cells that settle within the corneal stroma, showing up as white or grayish aggregates on the cornea. These infiltrates arise as the eye’s immune response to infection or irritation, mobilizing leukocytes into the corneal tissue to fight off pathogens or manage inflammation. They’re located inside the cornea rather than on its surface, which helps distinguish them from other findings.

Conjunctival follicles, for example, are tissue on the conjunctiva and reflect lymphoid structures rather than corneal inflammation. Corneal ulcers involve epithelial breakdown with tissue loss and surface exposure, often accompanied by pain. Scleral nodules are inflammatory nodules on the sclera, not within the corneal tissue.