Ocular Surface Examination

The ocular surface comprises the cornea, limbus, conjunctiva, eyelids, tear film, and lacrimal gland. The ocular surface examination should be performed using the slit lamp and requires vital dyes like sodium fluorescein and lissamine green. A comprehensive ocular surface evaluation helps in clinching the accurate diagnosis and is essential for formulating the management plan. Ocular surface disorders are frequently misdiagnosed unless all components have been examined carefully. This chapter describes the examination techniques used to arrive at a clinical diagnosis using devices readily available in eye clinics.