title: Ocular Emergencies: Red Eye.
abstract: "Red eye" is used as a general term to describe irritated or bloodshot eyes. It is a recognizable sign of an acute/chronic, localized/systemic underlying inflammatory condition. Conjunctival injection is most commonly caused by dryness, allergy, visual fatigue, contact lens overwear, and local infections. In some instances, red eye can represent a true ocular emergency that should be treated by an ophthalmologist. A comprehensive assessment of red eye conditions is required to preserve the patients visual function. Severe ocular pain, significant photophobia, decreased vision, and history of ocular trauma are warning signs demanding immediate ophthalmological consultation.
authors.affiliation: The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Suite 4001, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
authors.forename: Andreina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tarff
authors.affiliation: Division of Comprehensive Eye Care, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Suite 4001, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. Electronic address: abehrens@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Behrens
mesh_terms: D001762:Blepharitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D065306:Corneal Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D004630:Emergencies; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005129:Eye Foreign Bodies / Q000628:therapy; D015812:Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D007634:Keratitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D015423:Scleritis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014605:Uveitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Allergic; Conjunctiva; Conjunctivitis; Ocular inflammation; Ocular trauma; Red eye