Which statement about corneal abrasions is true?

• A. It involves the stroma
• B. They are epithelial defects
• C. They heal without scarring
• D. They are painless

Answer: (B)

Corneal abrasions are defects limited to the corneal epithelium. The surface epithelium is tightly adherent to the underlying layers and, importantly, is densely innervated, so even a small epithelial defect causes significant pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. If the injury extended into the stroma, you’d be dealing with a deeper problem (often called a stromal ulcer) with greater risk of scarring and slower healing. In uncomplicated abrasions, healing occurs as the epithelial cells migrate and re-epithelialize from the edges, typically with minimal or no scarring because the stroma remains intact. Pain is a common feature due to the epithelial nerves, so the statement that corneal abrasions are painless is not correct.