Red eye

Hyperemia of the conjunctival and/or episcleral vessels, producing a bloodshot appearance of the eye.

Causes

• Inflammatory causes

  • Allergic conjunctivitis

  • Dry eye disease

  • Episcleritis

  • Scleritis

  • Uveitis

• Infectious causes

  • Conjunctivitis

  • Blepharitis

  • Keratitis

• Traumatic causes

  • Corneal abrasion

  • Ocular foreign body

  • Chemical eye injury

• Subconjunctival hemorrhage

• Glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure)

• Other causes

  • Contact lens overuse

  • Eye strain

  • Environmental irritants (smoke, dust, chemicals)

  • Postoperative ocular inflammation