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Surface of the eye

Authoring team

If the eye is painful then anaesthetic drops may aid examination. A short acting drug such as oxybuprocaine is invaluable.

A red eye usually falls into one of two groups:

  • conjunctivitis - redness is most prominent around the lids and and the periphery of the globe

  • ciliary congestion - redness is most prominent around the margin of the cornea; this suggests disease of the cornea or deeper structures

The cornea should be smooth and shiny, any defects will be identified with the use of fluorescein stain.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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