Eye assessment

Created by

Mark Christian

Cards (23)

Bulbar conjunctiva 
Membranous covering of the sclera. Contains blood vessels
Palpebral conjunctiva 
Membranous covering of the inside of the upper and lower lids. Contains blood vessels
Nystagmus 
Rapid lateral, horizontal, or rotary movement of the eye
Convergence 
Ability of the eye to turn in and focus on a very close subject
PERRLA - Pupils Equal Round and Reactive to Light Accommodation
Snellen's Eye chart 
Example: "OD" 20/30 - 2 with glasses
There is no protrusion of eyeballs
Palpebral fissures appear equal in size when the eyes are open
Upper lid covers a small portion of the iris and cornea
Lower lid margin is just below the junction of the cornea and sclera. There is no ptosis (drooping of eyelids)
Lid margins are clear, lacrimal duct openings are evident at the nasal ends of the upper and lower lids
Eyelashes are evenly distributed and turn outward
Exophthalmos 
Manifestation of hyperthyroidism
Bulbar conjunctiva (cover of sclera) consists of transparent red blood vessels, which may become dilated and produce the characteristic "bloodshot" eye
Sclera should be white and clear
Pupils normally constrict with increasing light and accommodation. Pupils are normally round, 3 to 5 mm in size
Pinpoint and dilated pupils indicate neurologic problems
Extraocular movement - movement of the eyes in conjugate fashion. Eyes normally move in conjugate fashion, except when converging on an object that is moving closer
Nystagmus may be seen normally as a result of eye fatigue
Convergence fails when double vision occurs, usually 10 to 15 cm (4-6 inches) from nose peripheral vision is full in both eyes
The examiner should not be able to open the eyelids when the patient is squeezing them shut
Eyeballs normally are not tender when palpated
Red retinal reflex 
Check the transparency of the anterior and posterior chambers. It can be spotted by the examiner while standing 30 cm (12 inches) from the eye. It is the red glow filling the person's pupil