a. History: Itching.
Differential Diagnosis
Allergy
Symptoms of dryness, burning, grittiness, and mild foreign body sensation can occur with dry eyes or other types of mild corneal irritation. Tearing may be of two general types. Sudden reflex tearing is usually due to irritation of the ocular surface. In contrast, chronic watering and “epiphora” (tears rolling down the cheek) may indicate abnormal lacrimal drainage (see Chapter 4).
Ocular secretions are often diagnostically nonspecific. Severe amounts of discharge that cause the lids to be glued shut upon awakening usually indicate viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. More scant amounts of mucoid discharge can also be seen with allergic and noninfectious irritations. Dried matter and crusts on the lashes may occur acutely with conjunctivitis or chronically with blepharitis (lid margin inflammation).
Pivotal Assessment | Findings | ||
---|---|---|---|
x | xxxxxx |