The classical corneal sign of primary congenital glaucoma, Haab's striae, represents:

• A Vertical stress lines in the corneal epithelium due to raised intraocular pressure
• B Radial folds in Bowman layer secondary to corneal oedema
• C Horizontal or curvilinear breaks in Descemet membrane caused by stretching of the enlarged cornea ✓
• D Circumferential deposits of pigment at the corneal endothelium near the limbus

Explanation

As the infantile cornea enlarges under raised intraocular pressure, Descemet membrane ruptures, producing horizontal or curvilinear tears known as Haab's striae. These heal with endothelial laying down of new basement membrane but cause localized corneal oedema and astigmatism. Vertical stromal folds describe striate keratopathy after cataract surgery, while circumferential endothelial pigment describes the Sampaolesi line seen in pseudoexfoliation and pigment dispersion.

Reference: Khurana AK, Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.