Which is a short-term metabolic effect within the stroma?

Which is a short-term metabolic effect within the stroma?

• A. Edema
• B. Striate
• C. Thinning
• D. Infiltrate

Answer: (B)

Short-term metabolic stress in the corneal stroma from lens wear leads to rapid water retention and changes in how the stroma is hydrated. As the endothelial pump becomes less effective, fluid moves into the stroma and the collagen lamellae separate slightly. This creates fine, linear markings known as stromal striae—the visible sign of acute, reversible edema. So, the pattern you see inside the stroma reflects this immediate hydration change rather than a surface inflammatory process or a thinning of tissue. Infiltrate would indicate inflammatory cells, and thinning is a longer-term structural change; edema is the broader swelling, but the specific acute pattern described here is the striae.

Short-term metabolic stress in the corneal stroma from lens wear leads to rapid water retention and changes in how the stroma is hydrated. As the endothelial pump becomes less effective, fluid moves into the stroma and the collagen lamellae separate slightly. This creates fine, linear markings known as stromal striae—the visible sign of acute, reversible edema. So, the pattern you see inside the stroma reflects this immediate hydration change rather than a surface inflammatory process or a thinning of tissue. Infiltrate would indicate inflammatory cells, and thinning is a longer-term structural change; edema is the broader swelling, but the specific acute pattern described here is the striae.