Primary care centers and emergency rooms will evaluate 2%- 3% of their patient volume for eye-related complaints, many of which are for red eyes. Although red eyes are not often attributed to serious medical conditions, the seemingly straightforward symptoms of eye irritation shouldn’t be taken for granted. Eye problems like red eyes can be attributed to any number of medical conditions that should all be taken seriously.
The ability to differentiate a minor eye issue from a potentially sight-threatening condition is important for providers working in primary and urgent or emergency care settings. Being able to do so requires a firm foundation in performing eye exams, determining a diagnosis, and managing eye conditions.
Diagnosis and Management of Red Eye in Primary Care offered by Premiere Education is an excellent place to start. Taught by an expert optometrist, students in this course will learn important information related to the anatomy and physiology of the eye, how to properly incorporate an ocular medical history, common diagnoses, and how to manage them.
Symptoms of Red Eye Irritation
More often than not, red eyes look worse than they feel. Red eye irritation is primarily characterized by inflammation of the structures of the eyes, making the part of the eye that is normally white turn red or pink. This includes the tiny blood vessels just under the surface of the eye as well as the surrounding structures. Red eye irritation can affect both eyes simultaneously, or only one eye at a time.
As the vessels and the tissue become inflamed, patients can also experience additional symptoms. Itching and burning of the eyes is common, and can be quite persistent and frustrating.
Patients may also present with swelling to the conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane that covers the front portion of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. The swelling may be obvious to the naked eye during an assessment and may cause a sensation of fullness or puffiness for the patient.
Finally, some patients with red eye irritation may also have increased tear production or watering of the eyes, while others may have the opposite symptoms.
Diagnosing Red Eye Irritation
Diagnosing red eye irritation can be challenging, because it can involve a broad and highly variable set of symptoms. Also, similar symptoms can be caused by conditions that range from minor to critical, and differentiation could require a specialist. Although serious issues are comparatively rare, oversimplifying the complaint bears the potential for major consequences for the patient.
Be Thorough
Regardless of how non-threatening the complaint of red eyes may be, it is important to be thorough in obtaining a history and physical exam. If only one eye is red, both eyes should still be examined. This could lend vital information after ruling out something like a foreign body.
Healthcare professionals should also find out how long the patient has been experiencing the symptoms, and if they have tried any over-the-counter medications. Red eyes that have persisted for more than a couple of days could be an indication of something that needs to be evaluated by a specialist in ocular emergencies.
Examiners should also ask the patient whether or not they have pain, and what the onset of that pain was like. Did the pain start suddenly, was it a gradual onset, or intermittent? Painful eyes can potentially indicate something like a bacterial or viral infection that may warrant medication.
Lastly, determine if the patient has had any changes in vision. A patient experiencing even minor changes should be assessed for visual acuity. Changes to the shape or size of eye structures can be caused by things as simple as a scratch, and as serious as cancer.
Be Familiar With Common Causes
Having a working knowledge of common conditions leading to red eyes is important for quickly identifying the cause and providing effective management.
Allergies are a very common cause of eye irritation that can result from environmental factors like pollen or pet dander. Over-the-counter medications are typically sufficient to treat eye irritation caused by allergies.
Bacterial or viral infections are often to blame when it comes to red eyes. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious infectious condition resulting in inflammation of the tissue lining the eye. Other common symptoms include an itching or burning sensation with thick green, yellow, or white discharge that can collect on the eyelashes or lids.
A patient experiencing severe pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, and light sensitivity may be suffering from a corneal ulcer. A corneal ulcer can be caused by trauma to the eye or a foreign body like a contact lens. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as there is a risk of infection.
Get Comfortable With Diagnoses and Treatment of Red Eye Irritation
Thankfully, red eye irritation is rarely attributed to serious medical conditions and can often be managed easily once diagnosed. Because eye irritation can be caused by a wide range of conditions, healthcare professionals need to continually refresh and update their knowledge base.
Diagnosis and Management of Red Eye in Primary Care offered by Premiere Education will set healthcare professionals up for diagnostic and treatment success. All our courses are created by licensed professionals. Diagnosis and Management of Red Eye in Primary Care was developed by an expert in the field of optometry, Brianne Hobbs, OD, FAAO Assistant Chief-Optometry Service, Salisbury VA HCS.
