Examining a 'Red Eye'

In brief Primary care physicians often see disorders of the eye that are broadly termed a 'red eye.' Fortunately, most causes of a red eye are non-vision-threatening, and once the vision-threatening causes have been ruled out, the condition can usually be successfully treated in the primary care setting. A thorough medical and ocular history and ophthalmic examination will help physicians accurately diagnose such conditions as blepharitis, dacryocystitis, and conjunctivitis. Establishing the etiology will then direct effective treatment.