Abnormal corneal reflex

What it means

An anomaly of the corneal reflex that normally induces involuntary blinking of the eyelids following contact of the cornea.

The corneal reflex can be tested by touching the cornea lightly with a cotton tip. The normal response to to blink (shut the eyelids) immediately. To evaluate the corneal reflex, the examiner uses a cotton-tipped applicator, the tip of which has been pulled into a thin strand. The examiner stabilizes the patient's head by placing a hand on the patient's eyebrow and head. The patient is asked to look to the left side as the cotton tip is brought in from the right side to touch the right cornea gently.

Part of the broader category