Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Eye Inspection
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Video coming September 2026
How to Perform
Inspect the eyes and surrounding structures. Note the position and alignment of the eyes, the eyelids and lid margins (including any drooping, swelling, or lesions), and the eyelashes. Examine the conjunctiva and sclera for color and injection, the cornea and lens for clarity, and the iris, and note the size, shape, and symmetry of the pupils. Observe for any discharge, excessive tearing, or redness.
How to Interpret
Showing 19 of 35 findings
Anemia
Conjunctival pallor
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Conjunctivitis
Redness observed at 20 feet
Rule in
Minimally helpful
Rule out
Helpful
Evidence:Limited
No discharge
Rule in
—
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited
Purulent discharge
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
—
Evidence:Limited
Matting of both eyes in the morning
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Absence of morning eye matting
Rule in
Not helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Involvement of both eyes
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Redness completely obscuring the tarsal vessels
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited
Follicular conjunctivitis
Rule in
Not helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Mucous discharge
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited
Papillary conjunctivitis
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Redness located in the periphery only (no ciliary/circumcorneal flush)
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
InconclusiveWide CI
Evidence:Limited
Report of "purulent" secretions
Rule in
Not helpfulWide CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Watery discharge
Rule in
—
Rule out
InconclusiveWide CI
Evidence:Limited
Hyperthyroidism
Eyelid retraction
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Hypovolemia
Sunken eyes
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited
Orbital Fracture
Periorbital emphysema after facial trauma
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited
Serious Eye Disease
Anisocoria (≥1 mm difference) with the smaller pupil in the red eye
Rule in
HelpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Stroke
Horner syndrome in a patient with acute stroke
Rule in
Not helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited