Glossary: Eye
Red eye (conjunctivitis)
Redness in the white part of the eye (conjunctiva).
Purulent discharge from the eye / sticky eye
Gluing of the eye, especially on waking.
Pus (white-yellow-green discharge) draining from the eye is a sign of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva (the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eye). If you do not see pus draining from the eye, look for pus on the conjunctiva or on the eyelids. The pus may form a crust when the child is sleeping and seals the eye shut. For physical exam , make sure your hands are clean, open the eye gently and always remember to Wash hands after examining the eye of any child with pus draining from the eye.
Bleeding inside the eye
Presence of blood inside the eye. The blood can be either in the conjunctiva (conjunctival hemorrhage) or between the cornea and the iris (hyphema)
Clouding of the cornea
The cornea is the part of the eye that covers the colored part; it is usually clear. When clouding of the cornea is present, the cornea may appear white clouded or hazy. The cornea may look the way a glass of water looks when you add a small amount of milk. The clouding may occur in one or both eyes.
Corneal clouding is a severe condition. It may result from vitamin A deficiency complicated by measles. If not treated, the cornea can ulcerate and cause blindness.
In-turned eyelashes
Eyelashes grow toward the eye, with at least one eyelash rubbing on the eyeball.
Warm tender swelling around the eye
Eyelids are pink, warm, tender, and edematous.
Foreign body in the eye
Presence of a foreign body in any part of the eye.
Oedema of the eyelid or periorbital
Swelling of upper/lower eyelid. Sometimes accompanied by redness.
