Penlight Exam
- Simple method of inspecting soft tissues around eyes
- Find a bright penlight and follow this basic routine (penlight exam)
- Inflammation, irritation, venous congestion will cause discharge, hyperemia of conjunctiva, and swelling of conjunctiva and perhaps lids
- Trauma, aging, coagulation disorder, hypertension may cause hemorrhage
- Dryness will cause loss of corneal and conjunctival luster
- Jaundice will cause yellow discoloration of episclera
- Excess melanin (melanosis, melanoma) will cause brown/black pigment patches
- Cancer, inflammation will cause lumps
