Condition
Red Eye: Causes, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Red eye (conjunctival hyperaemia) is one of the most common reasons people visit an eye clinic. It can range from a harmless dry eye irritation or broken blood vessel to a serious infection, inflammatory condition, or acute glaucoma attack requiring urgent care. Correct diagnosis is key.
Video Overview
Red Eye: Causes, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Symptoms
Visible redness across the white of the eye
Itching and discharge (conjunctivitis — usually not urgent)
Pain and photophobia (iritis, scleritis — seek urgent care)
Sudden severe pain with vomiting and halos (acute angle-closure glaucoma — emergency)
Contact lens-related redness (corneal infection risk — remove lens immediately)
Office-hours redness after screen work (dry eye or fatigue — less urgent)
Causes
Allergic conjunctivitis (seasonal or perennial allergens)
Viral conjunctivitis (adenovirus — highly contagious)
Bacterial conjunctivitis (discharge, crusting)
Dry eye syndrome causing chronic low-grade redness
Subconjunctival haemorrhage (broken vessel — alarming but usually benign)
Acute angle-closure glaucoma (red, painful eye with blurred vision — emergency)
Treatments
Allergic: antihistamine drops (olopatadine) and cold compresses
Viral: supportive care, cold compresses, strict hygiene to prevent spread
Bacterial: antibiotic drops (chloramphenicol, azithromycin)
Dry eye: lubricating drops, lid hygiene, omega-3 supplements
Acute glaucoma: immediate IV acetazolamide, pilocarpine, urgent laser iridotomy
Remove contact lenses if redness develops and see an eye doctor same day
Do not use vasoconstrictors (Visine) long-term — rebound redness occurs
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