Subepithelial infiltrates are a listed cause of corneal haziness. Where are they located relative to the corneal layers?

• A. Beneath the epithelium
• B. Within the stroma
• C. On the endothelium
• D. In Bowman's layer

Answer: (A)

Subepithelial infiltrates sit in the space just beneath the corneal epithelium, between the epithelial basement membrane and Bowman's layer. This superficial location explains why they cause corneal haziness without being deep in the stroma or on the endothelial surface. If infiltrates were in the stroma, you’d see deeper stromal haze; on the endothelium, edema or endotheliitis would be the issue; Bowman's layer is acellular, so infiltrates aren’t described there. Therefore, the correct description is that these infiltrates are beneath the epithelium.