Jan 15, 2010 · Red eye is the cardinal sign of ocular inflammation. The condition is usually benign and can be managed by primary care physicians. Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of red eye. Other...

This topic presents an approach for distinguishing patients with red eye who must be referred to an ophthalmologist, such as those with angle-closure glaucoma, from patients who can be managed by the primary care clinician, such as those with allergic conjunctivitis (table 1 …

Some red eye conditions can become sight threatening, and often exhibit red-flag features. These features include moderate pain, photophobia, reduced visual acuity (VA), eye-trauma, or unilateral marked redness.

Feb 22, 2019 · Moderate to severe eye pain and reduced visual acuity are red flags for serious ophthalmological conditions. There is a wide differential diagnosis for a red, painful eye. A detailed history and basic ocular examination can be used to identify conditions requiring urgent care.

Red flag signs and symptoms which may indicate a serious, and potentially sight-threatening, cause of the person's red eye include: Reduced visual acuity. Moderate to severe pain. Headache. Photophobia — this can be a symptom of acute uveitis, corneal ulcer, contact lens-related red eye, or corneal foreign body.

Red-flag symptoms or signs indicate urgent referral to an ophthalmologist. Red flags for referral are a history of severe pain, visual loss, marked pain or decreased vision with the use of contact lenses, trauma, chemical injury and recent eye surgery.

The most common causes of red eye include. Infectious conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis. Corneal abrasions and foreign bodies are common causes (see table Some Causes of Red Eye). Although the eye is red, patients usually present with a complaint of injury, eye pain, or both.

Nov 16, 2024 · Eye redness is usually short-lived and resolves on its own. However, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition that requires treatment, such as a severe infection, a corneal ulcer, or glaucoma. If you're not sure if you should see your healthcare professional, consider your other symptoms.

Dec 16, 2024 · Red flags: 1: Is there any pain or irritation affecting the eye or around the eye? How would you describe the pain? Severe pain or headaches may indicate sight-threatening acute angle glaucoma, scleritis or corneal ulcer. Common causes of red eye such as conjunctivitis normally cause mild pain, irritation and/or foreign body sensation. 2: Is ...

Dec 21, 2018 · Asking three questions about red eye identifies the patients that can be treated by an optometrist and the ones that need to be referred. Consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, Dr Laura de Benito-Llopis, told …