Which of the following indicates a deeper disease process such as uveitis or glaucoma?

Episcleral injection is a significant clinical finding in ophthalmology, particularly when assessing deeper ocular conditions such as uveitis or glaucoma. This type of injection refers to the dilation of blood vessels in the episclera, the connective tissue layer that lies between the conjunctiva and the sclera. When there is inflammation or increased intraocular pressure, the vessels may become more prominent, indicating a potential deeper disease process.

In the case of uveitis, an inflammatory reaction within the uveal tract can lead to an increase in blood flow to the area surrounding the eye, manifesting as episcleral injection. Similarly, in glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure can also cause vascular changes, leading to prominent episcleral vessels. The presence of this injection pattern serves as a warning sign for veterinarians to investigate further for serious underlying issues.

The other options, such as conjunctival hyperemia, mucopurulent discharge, and epiphora, typically suggest more superficial or less severe conditions affecting the eyelids and conjunctiva rather than deep intraocular diseases. For instance, conjunctival hyperemia often indicates inflammation of the conjunctiva itself, while mucopurulent discharge is associated with conjunctivitis or other superficial infections. Epiphora refers to excessive