About this symptom
Redness in one or both eyes can follow irritation, allergy or infection, but it can also accompany more serious inflammation or injury. The colour or appearance alone cannot establish the cause.
What matters most
Dry eye, conjunctivitis, eyelid inflammation and external irritants are frequent possibilities. Severe pain, strong light sensitivity or visual changes can point to corneal disease or other urgent problems.
Symptoms and reasons to seek help
Itching, tearing, discharge, gritty sensations and eyelid swelling may accompany redness. A painful red eye in a contact-lens wearer needs prompt assessment because infection of the cornea is a concern.
How it differs from similar conditions
Not every red eye is bacterial conjunctivitis, and antibiotic drops are not always appropriate. Steroid drops without specialist supervision can make some conditions worse.
Assessment and investigations
The ophthalmologist examines visual function, the ocular surface and any relevant injury or contact-lens history. Additional testing depends on severity and the suspected diagnosis.
Care options and limitations
Avoid rubbing the eyes and stop wearing contact lenses until the cause has been assessed. Do not self-prescribe antibiotic, steroid or someone else’s eye drops; treatment should match the diagnosis.
When emergency help is needed
Severe pain, impaired vision, marked light sensitivity, a chemical splash or an eye injury requires immediate evaluation. If a chemical enters the eye, rinse continuously with clean running water and seek emergency help via 103 or 112.
Related information
Worsening eyesight; Dry eye syndrome; Cataract; Ophthalmologist consultation.
Signs and symptoms
Itching, tearing, discharge, gritty sensations and eyelid swelling may accompany redness. A painful red eye in a contact-lens wearer needs prompt assessment because infection of the cornea is a concern.
Diagnosis and tests
The ophthalmologist examines visual function, the ocular surface and any relevant injury or contact-lens history. Additional testing depends on severity and the suspected diagnosis.
Care and treatment approaches
Avoid rubbing the eyes and stop wearing contact lenses until the cause has been assessed. Do not self-prescribe antibiotic, steroid or someone else’s eye drops; treatment should match the diagnosis.
When to seek urgent care
Severe pain, impaired vision, marked light sensitivity, a chemical splash or an eye injury requires immediate evaluation. If a chemical enters the eye, rinse continuously with clean running water and seek emergency help via 103 or 112.
Frequently asked questions
Does a red eye always mean conjunctivitis?
No. Allergy, irritation, dry eye and several other conditions may cause redness.
Can I keep wearing contact lenses?
Remove lenses if the eye is red, especially if there is pain, and obtain medical advice before resuming them.
Should I start antibiotic eye drops myself?
No. The cause may not be bacterial, and the wrong drops can delay the treatment that is actually needed.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
