The “red eye” is one of the most common ophthalmic problems presenting to the general practitioner. An accurate history is important and should pay particular attention to
vision, degree, and type of discomfort and the presence of a discharge. The history, and a good examination, will usually permit the diagnosis to be made without specialist ophthalmic
equipment.
Symptoms and signs
The most important symptoms are pain and visual loss; these suggest serious conditions such as corneal ulceration, iritis, and acute glaucoma. A purulent discharge suggests bacterial
conjunctivitis; a clear discharge suggests a viral or allergic cause. A gritty sensation is common in conjunctivitis, but a foreign body must be excluded, particularly if only one eye is
affected. Itching is a common symptom in allergic eye disease, blepharitis, and topical drop hypersensitivity.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Red Eye
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