Which color opacity in the cornea is indicative of corneal edema?

Corneal edema is characterized by excessive accumulation of fluid within the cornea, leading to a distinctive bluish color in the affected area. This occurs when the endothelial cells, which help maintain corneal clarity by pumping excess fluid out of the stroma, become dysfunctional or damaged. The bluish opacity is a result of light scattering as the cornea loses its transparent quality.

In contrast, other color opacities do not specifically indicate corneal edema. For instance, a red opacity may suggest inflammation or vascularization rather than fluid accumulation. A white opacity often points toward scarring or mineral deposits in the cornea, while a yellow opacity may be associated with specific pathologies, such as lipidosis or infiltrates due to inflammation. Each of these colors reflects different underlying conditions, making the bluish color the specific indicator of corneal edema.