Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

Which symptom is characteristic of a corneal abrasion?

1. Sudden blindness

2. Redness and swelling

3. Pain and discomfort in one eye

4. Fluid discharge

The correct answer is: Pain and discomfort in one eye

A corneal abrasion typically presents as pain and discomfort in one eye due to the exposure of nerve endings in the cornea. The cornea, being a highly sensitive part of the eye, reacts to any injury or damage, leading to significant discomfort that can include a gritty sensation, tearing, sensitivity to light, and a feeling that something is in the eye. Other symptoms could accompany this, such as redness and swelling, but they are not as defining as pain in the case of corneal abrasions. Sudden blindness is not a characteristic symptom, as corneal abrasions do not usually lead to loss of vision but may cause blurred vision. Fluid discharge is more commonly associated with infections or other ocular conditions, rather than a simple abrasion. Therefore, while other symptoms may present, the standout characteristic of a corneal abrasion is the localized pain and discomfort in the affected eye.