Painful Red Eye

Description

Referral

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H57.1

DESCRIPTION

Pain and redness in one eye only, indicates inflammation of the anterior structures of the eye.
Exclude bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (often bilateral and associated with irritation, rather than pain).
Consider acute closed angle glaucoma and manage appropriately. See: Glaucoma, acute and closed angle

REFERRAL

Urgent within 12–24 hours:

• All patients (excluding those with conjunctivitis):
  • Single painful red eye.
  • Corneal ulceration including herpes infection.
  • Sudden loss or change in vision, including blurred or reduced vision.
  • Sudden onset of visual problems, associated with dizziness, weakness on either one or both sides, difficulty speaking or swallowing (possible stroke; See: Stroke).
  • Foreign body associated with welding or grinding.
  • Chemical burn (See: Eye injury, chemical burn).
  • Whole eyelid swollen, red and painful (consider orbital cellulitis).
  • Coloured haloes around light, dilated oval pupil, headache, nausea, vomiting (possible glaucoma; See: Glaucoma, acute and closed angle).

Click here to access the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_30 September 2024

Chapter 18: Eye Conditions_18.5 Painful Red Eye