It is a cardinal sign of ocular inflammation resulting from many conditions. The key to management is recognizing underlying disease cases requiring ophthalmologic consultation.

1. RED EYE
PRESENTER;
KIGOTHO STEPHEN.
RUNYENJES SUB COUNTY HOSPITAL.
CLINICAL OFFICER CCC/CHEST DEPARTMENT.

3. OVERVIEW.
 Cardinal sign of ocular inflammation.
 Key to management is recognizing cases with underlying disease.
Causes.
1. Conjunctivitis;-Commonest
Vascular dilatation of the superficial conjuctival blood vessels,cellular infiltration and
exudation.
2. Blepharitis;-
Inflammation of the eyelids, usually involving the lid margins.
3. Canaliculitis; is characterized by a mildly red eye (usually unilateral) with slight discharge.
4. Keratitis; can be of bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic origin.

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5. Dacryocystitis; is characterized by localized pain, edema, and
erythema over the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus of the eye.
6. Scleritis; is universally accompanied by pain, especially with
tenderness exacerbated by digital pressure.
7. Scleritis; is universally accompanied by pain, especially with
tenderness exacerbated by digital pressure.
8. Corneal injury; First and foremost, the patient’s eye should be
stained with fluorescein to detect evidence of corneal abrasion.
9. Iritis; the eye develops a perilimbal redness known as ciliary flush
due to dilation of the radial vessels.

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10. Dry eye syndrome; or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), the eye appears
normal.
11. Glaucoma; Narrow-angle glaucoma is an ophthalmologic emergency.
Patients complain of severely painful red eye. Visual acuity is reduced and
worsens over time. .
12. Pterygium; is a benign conjunctival growth made of triangular band of
fibrovascular tissue caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, dust,
and low humidity. It usually arises from the nasal side of the sclera. It may
encroach onto the cornea (pterygium) or extend on either side of the
cornea.
13. Subconjunctival hemorrhage; may appear as a flat, thin hemorrhage
or as a thick collection of blood.

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Virus- Adenovirus, Coxsackie, Influenza, HSV, EBV,
measles.
Bacterial- staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus
pneumonia,Gonorrhoea, C.Trachomatis.
Allergens - pollen, molds, smoke and chemicals.
Fungal.

7. Presentation.
Can be Painful or painless.
Acute or Chronic.
Signs and Symptoms.
 Burning sensation
 Visual changes
 Foreign body sensation
 Increased tearing
 Itchiness
 Swelling of eyelids.
 Photophobia
 Pain
 Discharge, clear or colored

8. Care and Treatment.
Viral Conjuctivitis -No specific therapy, self resolving upto 2 weeks.
 Lubricants/Ointments.
 Antihistamines.
 Topical Antibiotics.
Others
 Topical antivirals.
 Topical NSAIDs.

9. Prevention.
Health Education.
 Don't rub your eyes. Dirt and germs on your hands and fingers can cause even more
redness and irritation.
 Keep your contact lenses clean, and don’t wear them longer than recommended.
 Remove your eye makeup properly, and keep your eyes clean.
 Take regular breaks when you’re looking at the computer screen for a long time.
 Avoid things that you know irritate your eyes, like dust, smoke.
 Use a dehumidifier in your house to prevent dampness and mold from developing.
 Encourage fluid intake.

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 Avoid irritants like smoke, chemicals, or perfumes, and flush out
your eyes immediately if you come into contact with them.
 Practice good hand-washing techniques to help you avoid many
types of infections.
 Wash your hands frequently, especially if you've been exposed to
someone with an eye infection.
 Sanitize.
 If you have discharge, use tissue and then discard.

11. IPC

12. When to consult?
 Your eyes feel tender.
 Your vision is affected.
 Your eyes become extra sensitive to light.
 You have symptoms that continue for a week or more, or are getting
worse and not better.
 Your eye is producing a lot of pus or mucus that dries into crusts.
 You have a fever or aches along with eye discomfort.