examination (watery eye in infant)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Examination:
- examine vision and ocular function
- vision - tested by slow pursuit movements e.g. in response to face or toy
- eye is generally white; some conjunctival hyperaemia is acceptable
- cornea should be clear and normal size with sharp iris detail
- corneal reflexes are central
- red reflexes present
- any signs supportive of lacrimal duct obstruction
- such as a thick tear film that often overflows, a swelling at the inner canthus (secondary to a lacrimal sac mucocele)
- look for mimics of lacrimal duct obstruction
- lid or lash abnormality
- chlamydial conjunctivitis - typical is a sticky eye and a plushy hyperaemic appearance of the lower lid conjunctiva - can continue to over 8 months in age - if in doubt take chlamydia swabs
BMJ (1997), 315, 293-6.