title: External diseases of the eye.
abstract: The child presenting a red, tearing eye can pose a dilemma for the pediatrician. A good history and a careful systematic examination using good light and magnification should lead the physician to the proper diagnosis. The child with no complaints other than discharge probably has a conjunctivitis, while the child with photophobia and a scratchy sensation should make one search for either a foreign body or a corneal problem. Fluorescein dye is invaluable in outlining a corneal scratch, abrasion, dendritic ulcer, or bacterial ulcer; and the use of smears and cultures can help pinpoint the exact cause of the patient's difficulties and help in choosing the proper medication. The care of the patient with a red eye may be difficult; but when properly done, it can be a source of great satisfaction to both the patient and the physician.
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000209:etiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010808:Physical Examination; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis