What is the swelling of the corneal tissue called?

The swelling of the corneal tissue is referred to as edema. This condition occurs when excess fluid builds up in the corneal layers, leading to a thickened and less transparent cornea. Edema can arise from various factors, including contact lens wear, infections, or inflammatory conditions.

Understanding the physiological impact of edema is crucial, especially for contact lens practitioners, as it can affect vision quality and necessitate adjustments in lens type or wear schedule to ensure corneal health. The characteristics of corneal edema include symptoms like blurred vision, discomfort, and sensitivity to light, which highlight the importance of monitoring corneal conditions in patients who wear contact lenses.

The other terms such as neovascularization, ulcer, and nevus refer to different conditions. Neovascularization involves the growth of new blood vessels in the cornea, an indication of chronic hypoxia or inflammation. An ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, often resulting from infection or severe irritation. A nevus refers to a pigmented lesion on the eye, similar to a mole on the skin. Each of these conditions relates to distinct processes in ocular health and emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing corneal swelling appropriately.