**Core Concept**
Hypoxic injury refers to damage caused by inadequate oxygen supply to tissues. In the cornea, hypoxia can lead to edema due to the accumulation of fluid and swelling of corneal cells. This condition is often associated with contact lens wear, especially with extended wear or poor hygiene.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the accumulation of fluid in the cornea due to the breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier. In hypoxic conditions, the cornea's metabolic rate increases, leading to the production of lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts. These byproducts disrupt the normal ion and water balance across the corneal epithelium, causing fluid to accumulate and resulting in edema. The corneal endothelium, responsible for maintaining the cornea's deturgescence, is particularly sensitive to hypoxia and can become compromised, exacerbating the edema.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not relevant to the pathophysiology of corneal edema in hypoxic injury.
* **Option B:** This option may be related to other types of corneal edema, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, but is not the correct answer for hypoxic injury.
* **Option D:** This option is not a known cause of corneal edema in hypoxic injury.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In hypoxic corneal injury, the corneal epithelium's compromised barrier function can lead to the entry of inflammatory cells and mediators, exacerbating the edema and potentially causing permanent vision loss.

**Correct Answer:** C.