Difference between conjunctival congestion and circumcorneal congestion

It is important to differentiate between conjunctival congestion and circumcorneal congestion as they are seen in different diseases and recognising this is necessary to initiate appropriate treatment.

Conjunctival congestion Circumcorneal congestion
Location Maximum at the fornix, fade towards the limbus Maximum around limbus, fade towards fornix
Vessel involved Posterior conjunctival Anterior ciliary
Direction of blood flow Centripetal Centrifugal
Colour Bright red Light red
Effect of adrenaline (vasoconstrictor) Blanches immediately No / delayed blanching
Branching Profuse branching Limited branching
Mobility of vessels Move with conjunctiva Fixed
Plane of vessels In the conjunctiva Below the conjunctiva
Ciliary tenderness Present Absent
Etiology Conjunctival disorders Acute glaucoma, anterior uveitis, corneal disorders

Synonyms of conjunctival congestion:

  • conjunctival injection

Synonyms of circumcorneal congestion:

  • circumcorneal injection
  • ciliary congestion
  • ciliary injection
  • ciliary flush
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