Red eye

Differential diagnosis

  • Glaucoma – haloes, pain++, light haloes, vomiting, reduced acuity, semi-dilated hazy pupil
  • Anterior Uveitis – photophobia, small pupil
  • Ulcer – contact lenses
  • Cluster headache

 

Data gathering

  • Red flags – contact lenses, severe eye pain, sudden loss of vision, trauma, headache/vomiting/fever/rash
  • Others – vision, discharge, photosensitive, floaters
  • Examine – Inspection, acuity, fields, eye movements, pupil reflexes, temporal palpation, BP

 

Clinical management

  • Eye A+E if:
    • moderate eye pain, reduced visual acuity, trauma
  • Otherwise, safety net
    • driving