Miscellaneous Impairments

Abstract

Examination of the eyes can yield valuable information for the diagnosis of systemic disease and sometimes, as in the case of a corneal arcus occurring at young age, for the detection of preclinical disease. Among the many abnormal eye signs that may be reported, the following examples are but a few: exophthalmos, icteric sclerae, nystagmus, pupillary anomalies, hypertensive and diabetic retinopathy, choroiditis, and optic atrophy. The diseases associated with these signs have already been considered in previous chapters. In addition, there are several purely local disorders of the eye which, although they have little or no bearing on life expectancy, may be important when considering disability and other forms of insurance.