Conjunctiva: Examination Methods

Examination Methods

Inspection: Thebulbar conjunctivacan be evaluated by direct inspectionunder a focused light. Normally it is shiny and transparent. The other parts ofthe conjunctiva will not normally be visible. They can be inspected by evert-ing the upper or lower eyelid (see eyelid eversion below).

Dye staining: Defects and tears in the conjunctiva or cornea can be visualizedby applying a drop of fluorescein dye or rose bengal and inspecting the eye under illumination with a cobalt blue filter (see Fig. 5.11).

Eyelid eversion: Even the non-ophthalmologist must be familiar with thetechnique of everting the upper or lower eyelid. This is an important exami-nation method in cases in which the conjunctival sac requires cleaning or irrigation, such as removing a foreign body or rendering first aid after a chemical injury.