[Red eye : common ocular pathologies in outpatient care]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• General Practice
• Public Health

Context:

• Red eye is a prevalent condition encountered frequently in outpatient settings.
• Symptoms include eye redness, itching, burning, pain, and discharge.
• Etiologies range from minor irritations to serious infections.

Purpose:

• To outline the common causes and clinical presentation of red eye.
• To differentiate between conditions manageable in primary care versus those needing specialist referral.
• To provide guidance for general practitioners managing red eye complaints.

Summary:

• Red eye presents with ocular redness and associated symptoms like itching or pain.
• A broad spectrum of causative factors exists, from benign to severe.
• The majority of red eye cases are suitable for primary care management.

Impact:

• Empowers general practitioners to confidently diagnose and treat common red eye conditions.
• Reduces unnecessary referrals to ophthalmology, optimizing healthcare resource allocation.
• Improves patient outcomes by ensuring timely and appropriate management of red eye.