Red eye
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Resident Survival Guide |
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Red eye Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
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Synonyms and keywords: Bloodshot eye
Overview
Red eye is one of the most common complaints managed by primary care physicians though in some cases it heralds a serious and life-threatening condition needing urgent referral to ophthalmologist. The etiology of red eye can be infectious, traumatic, inflammatory, allergic, autoimmune and rarely secondary to tumors. Red eye stems from pathologies of eye lid, conjunctiva, cornea, sclera and uvea.
Classification
There is no established system for the classification of red eye.
Causes
The cause of red eye is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination and patient's history. The most common cause of red eye is conjunctivitis. Other common causes include blepharitis, corneal abrasion, foreign body, subconjunctival hemorrhage, keratitis, iritis, glaucoma, chemical burn, and scleritis.[1][2]
Differentiating Red eye from other Diseases
Treatment
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