Acute Red Eye: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Common Causes of Acute Red Eye

Acute angle closure glaucoma (an eye emergency which requires immediate treatment)
Infection (Conjunctivitis)
Acute iritis
Blood clot in the eye
Foreign body in the eye
Corneal abrasion
Keratitis

Signs and Symptoms

Depending on the condition, besides the red eye, the patient may complain of pain, nausea and vomiting, sever headache, tearing and blurred vision.

Diagnosis

Acute red eye is assessed through a focused eye examination to identify the underlying cause and rule out serious conditions. This includes checking vision, performing a slit-lamp examination to evaluate the front structures of the eye, measuring intraocular pressure, and applying fluorescein dye to the cornea to detect any damage or surface defects.

As part of a routine eye check-up in Singapore, these tests help ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of the condition.