The corneal reflex allows an objective assessment of facial sensation. The afferent limb is V1 of the trigeminal nerve, the efferent limb is the facial or 7th cranial nerve.
Examination Technique:
- explain to the patient what you will be doing.
- avoid a visual threat response by asking the patient to look up and to the opposite side.
- stimulate the cornea since the scleral conjunctiva is less sensitive.
- touch the cornea lightly with a wisp of cotton, observe the direct (same) eye and consensual (opposite eye) blink in response to corneal stimulation.
- repeat on the opposite side.
Trigeminal Nerve – Corneal Reflex