At autopsy, the eyes of a body show "tache noire sclérotique" — a brownish-black, triangular, leathery discoloration of the exposed sclera in the palpebral aperture. This change indicates:
- A Subconjunctival haemorrhage from asphyxia
- B Postmortem desiccation of the exposed scleral surface ✓
- C Bilateral pinguecula
- D Staining from decomposition gases
Explanation
"Tache noire sclérotique" (black spot of the sclera) is a postmortem artifact caused by desiccation and oxidation of the exposed scleral collagen in the interpalpebral fissure when the eyelids remain partially open after death. It is triangular with the base at the corneal limbus and apex pointing toward the canthus; it appears yellowish-brown, then deepens to brownish-black as drying progresses. It typically appears within 3–7 hours with open eyes and carries no pathological significance but is a useful time indicator. Subconjunctival haemorrhage from asphyxia is diffuse red engorgement, not desiccation.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.