Which term describes a corneal epithelial defect with an underlying infiltrate?

Which term describes a corneal epithelial defect with an underlying infiltrate?

• A. Corneal abrasion
• B. Epithelial edema
• C. Corneal ulcer
• D. Keratitis

Answer: (C)

A corneal epithelial defect with an underlying infiltrate indicates a corneal ulcer. The key clue is the stromal infiltrate beneath the surface defect, which shows that the disease has penetrated into the corneal stroma and is not just a superficial surface scratch.

An epithelial defect alone describes a surface abrasion without deeper tissue involvement. Epithelial edema is swelling of the epithelial layer rather than a defect with tissue invasion. Keratitis is a general inflammation of the cornea and can describe various inflammatory conditions, but the specific combination of epithelial defect plus a stromal infiltrate points to an ulcer.