Which of the following are symptoms of corneal abrasion?

• A. Redness, pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, typically unilateral
• B. Hearing loss and vertigo
• C. Severe jaw pain
• D. Double vision without ocular signs

Answer: (A)

Corneal abrasion triggers irritation of the corneal nerves, leading to acute eye pain, tearing, redness, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). This combination is classic and usually affects only one eye because the injury is typically localized to the cornea of a single eye. The cornea is among the most densely innervated tissues, so even small surface disruptions provoke significant discomfort and reflex tearing, while redness comes from irritation of the conjunctiva and surrounding tissues.

Hearing loss and vertigo point to inner-ear issues rather than a corneal problem. Severe jaw pain isn’t a typical corneal symptom and would suggest dental or temporomandibular joint causes. Double vision without ocular signs isn’t characteristic of a simple corneal abrasion and would suggest a binocular or motor-vision issue rather than a surface epithelial injury.