Ophthalmologic clues to infectious diseases and their mimics in critical care

The eyes, like a sentinel, occupy the highest place in the body. -Marcus Tulius Cicero Eye exam is one element of physical examination that is frequently overlooked by clinicians despite its ability to provide key diagnostic clues. Often an eye exam is deferred because of a lack of comfort or familiarity with funduscopic and, to a lesser degree, external ocular examination. However, clinicians should take time to carefully inspect the internal and external anatomy of the eye in search of a physical finding that may tip the scales toward one diagnosis over another.