Translation guide
The corneal reflex is an involuntary blinking of the eyelids when the cornea is touched. In Japanese, it is primarily a medical term, but related everyday expressions exist for blinking and eye protection.
corneal reflex (medical)
The clinical reflex tested by touching the cornea, used in neurological exams.
Standard medical term for corneal reflex. Used in clinical settings.
The doctor tested the corneal reflex.
The natural protective blink when an object nears the eye, not necessarily a clinical test.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'reflex of closing the eyes'. Used in everyday explanations.
When an object approaches the eye, the reflex to close the eyes occurs.
Literally 'blink reflex'. Can refer to corneal reflex in non-specialist contexts, but may also include other blink reflexes.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers rarely say '角膜反射'. Instead, they describe the action: '目に物が当たりそうになって、思わず目をつぶった' (Something almost hit my eye and I reflexively closed my eyes).
The blink reflex is important for protecting the eyes.