Monday, June 6, 2011

Corneal Reflex

Corneal reflex is also known as blink reflex. The condition may be described as the involuntary blinking of the eyelids.

This is generally induced by either touching or because of any stimulation caused as a result of foreign bodies. The condition may also be caused by stimulation that may be caused as a result of bright light. The condition has been also found to occur when a human being is exposed to sounds greater than 40-60dB.The mediation of the corneal eyelid reflex is through nasociliary branch of the ophthalmic branch or through the 7th cranial nerve. The mediation may also be due to medullary center. It is possible to either reduce or completely eliminate this reflex by making use of the contact lenses. Some of the neurological examinations can be helpful in diagnosing this type of reflex. This reflex is generally not seen in infants who are less than 8 months of age. When the affected eye is stimulated, then the damage to the ophthalmic branch of the 5th cranial nerve can be responsible for ensuring that the reflex is absent. Under most of the circumstances, a consensual response is found to occur upon the stimulation of the cornea. In this case, both the eyelids are generally closing.