What suggests a conjunctival foreign body?

The presence of redness and tearing in the eye is strongly indicative of a conjunctival foreign body. When a foreign object comes into contact with the conjunctiva, the body reacts by increasing blood flow to the area, leading to redness. Additionally, the eye produces more tears in an attempt to flush out the foreign material, resulting in tearing. These symptoms are typical responses of the eye to irritation or injury caused by the presence of an object on the conjunctiva's surface.

Other signs, such as changes in pupil size or reactions, typically pertain to more serious intraocular conditions. Rapid pupil reaction is not specifically associated with a conjunctival foreign body and may suggest normal functioning of the pupillary reflex, but it does not directly point to the presence of a foreign object. Eye alignment disorders could indicate more complicated conditions involving the extraocular muscles or neurological issues and are not characteristic of foreign body irritation. Thus, the combination of redness and tearing reliably points towards the presence of a conjunctival foreign body.