36. Diseases of the conjunctiva - clinical findings*
Explains red eye as dilated surface blood vessels and lists its sight-threatening causes, such as acute angle closure glaucoma, corneal ulcer or abscess, and penetrating injury, with their treatment. It then sets out the associated symptoms, including pain, visual loss, discharge, gritty sensation, itching and photophobia, and how each points towards particular causes. A causes picture is included.
Topic 36 of 91 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Ophthalmology (Medicine, Year 4). The free AceMed note covers it in 1 section, about 111 words (1 min of reading), with 12 flashcards.
In this note
Red Eye
Red Eye
Red eye occurs when blood vessels near the surface of the eye become enlarged and dilated.
Causes:
The sight threatening causes of a red eye include:
Acute angle closure glaucoma ( medication to decrease production of aqueous humor )
Corneal ulcer/abscess ( Drops & ointment of broad spectrum antibiotic)
Penetrating eye injury
These require immediate ophthalmologist attention!!
SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH RED EYE
Pain –corneal ulcer, iritis, acute glaucoma
Visual loss:
Normal in conjunctivitis!
Diminished in corneal ulcer, iritis, acute glaucoma
Eye discharge
Purulent –bacterial conjunctivitis
Clear –viral or allergic cause
Gritty sensation – common in conjunctivitis
Itching – common in allergic eye disease, blepharitis and topical drop hypersensitivity
Photophobia - panuveitis
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