What is the term for blood vessel growth in the cornea under stress?

The term for blood vessel growth in the cornea under stress is neovascularization. This process occurs when the cornea experiences certain stressors, such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen), inflammation, or injury, prompting the body to create new blood vessels. Neovascularization is particularly significant in the cornea because the healthy cornea is usually avascular, meaning it typically has no blood vessels. The formation of new blood vessels can indicate underlying issues such as chronic inflammation or traumatic stress, and it can have implications for vision, as these new vessels may disrupt the clarity of the cornea.

In contrast, hemorrhaging refers to bleeding from damaged blood vessels, regeneration describes the process of regrowing lost or damaged tissues, and infiltration typically involves the accumulation of substances or cells in tissues—in this context, none of these terms capture the specific process of new blood vessel formation within the cornea.