What is a likely consequence of a corneal abrasion caused by a tree twig?

• A. Bleeding
• B. Fungal infection
• C. Cataract formation
• D. Corneal scarring

Answer: (D)

When the corneal surface is injured, the epithelium quickly begins to heal from the edges while the underlying stroma lays down new collagen. This repair tissue is not as clear as normal cornea, so a scar can form. A scar in the central cornea can disrupt light transmission and lead to reduced vision, which is the most likely outcome after a corneal abrasion from an organic object like a tree twig. Bleeding is unlikely because the cornea lacks blood vessels, cataracts involve the lens and aren’t caused by surface injuries, and while plant matter raises infection risk (such as fungal keratitis), infection is not a guaranteed consequence of every abrasion.