What are the visible signs of superficial corneal neovascularization?

Superficial corneal neovascularization is characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels into the cornea, which is typically an avascular structure. The visible signs associated with this condition often present as a tree-like or dendritic pattern of vessels that extend into the corneal tissue. This branching, vascular pattern is a hallmark of neovascularization and indicates the body's response to ischemia or inflammation in the cornea.

A complete transparency of the cornea, yellow-green coloration, and a reduction in tear production do not align with the signs of superficial corneal neovascularization. A healthy cornea should remain clear; however, neovascularization disrupts this transparency. The yellow-green coloration could be associated with other ocular conditions like infection, and while reduced tear production is a symptom of various ocular surface diseases, it is not a direct sign of neovascularization itself. Thus, the tree-like appearance of vessels captures the essence of superficial corneal neovascularization effectively.