THE EYECLINIC BY DR CHERYL LEE
Painful red eye
in Singapore
Conjunctivitis · Allergic eye disease · Dry eyes · Glaucoma · Iritis· Contact Lens related ·Corneal abrasion
A painful red eye is different from an itchy red eye.
Most red eyes are irritating but not dangerous. A red eye that is painful, very sensitive to light, or comes with blurred vision is different — it needs checking the same day.
This page explains what a painful red eye can mean, what usually causes it, and how quickly you need to be seen in Singapore. It is general information only, not a diagnosis. Only an examination can tell which cause it is.
If you have a sudden painful red eye with halos around lights, a headache or nausea, call +65 6235 5833 now
A red eye with pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision needs checking the same day.
WHAT DOES A PAINFUL RED EYE FEEL LIKE?
The white of the eye is red, and the eye aches or throbs
Bright light hurts — you want to squint or keep the eye closed
Vision is blurred, hazy or dim in that eye
The eye waters, or feels gritty and sore
You may have a headache, or feel sick, with halos around lights
Pain and light sensitivity are the two signs to take seriously. An itchy red eye with no pain and no change in vision is usually less urgent. A painful red eye is not.
WHAT COULD CAUSE IT?
A painful red eye can be due to a few different problems. They can feel similar at first, which is why an examination — usually with a slit lamp — matters.
Angle-closure glaucoma — a sudden painful red eye, halos around lights, or a headache
Here the drainage angle in the eye closes suddenly, pressure rises fast, and the eye becomes painful and red. You may see halos around lights, feel nauseated, or have a headache. This needs urgent attention the same day. Do not wait for it to settle.
Read more about Angle closure glaucoma page
Anterior uveitis — a red, painful eye that hates the light
Anterior uveitis is inflammation inside the front of the eye. The eye is red, painful, and very sensitive to light, and vision may be blurred. It needs checking the same day and treatment to control inflammation, because untreated uveitis can damage the eye.
Read more about Anterior uveitis
Corneal abrasion — a scratch, or something in your eye that hurts and waters
A scratch on the clear front surface of the eye — from a fingernail, a contact lens, dust or a small object — can hurt a lot, water, and make the eye sensitive to light. Do not rub it. Most small abrasions heal in a day or two, but a scratch needs checking the same day if pain, redness or blurred vision persist, or if you wear contact lenses.
Read more about Corneal abrasion
Corneal ulcer / keratitis — painful, light-sensitive, and often in contact lens wearers
A corneal ulcer is an infection or sore on the clear front of the eye. It is painful, red, light-sensitive, and vision is often blurred. It is more common in contact lens wearers, especially if lenses are worn overnight, or with water. Remove the lens, do not wear it again until you have been checked, and get seen the same day.
Conjunctivitis — red, sticky, irritated eyes
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin layer over the white of the eye. It can be caused by infection or allergy. It is usually itchy or sticky rather than deeply painful. See a doctor the same day if the eye becomes painful, very light-sensitive, or your vision is affected — that changes it from a simple red eye to one that needs checking.
Read more about Conjunctivitis
Sub-Conjunctival Haemorrhage -blood red eye
This is a red blood patch which can become bigger often times due to hypertension , dry eyes, coughing and rubbing
FAQs for red eyes
1. Is a painful red eye an emergency?
Not always — but it is an emergency if the eye is painful, very sensitive to light, or your vision is blurred. A sudden painful red eye with halos around lights and a headache needs urgent attention the same day, as it can be angle-closure glaucoma.
2. How can I tell conjunctivitis from something more serious?
Allergic or infective conjunctivitis is usually itchy, watery or sticky, and affects both eyes or starts in one eye without deep pain. A red eye with deep pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision is different — see a doctor the same day and do not rely on the difference alone.
3. Should I wear my contact lenses if my eye is red and painful?
No. Remove the lens, do not wear it again until you have been checked, and bring the lens and its case to your appointment if you can. Contact lens wearers with a painful red eye should be seen the same day.
4. Can I just use eye drops from the pharmacy?
Lubricating drops may soothe a mild irritation, but they do not treat uveitis, a corneal ulcer, or raised eye pressure. Do not use leftover steroid or antibiotic drops unless a doctor has advised it for this episode. If the eye is painful or light-sensitive, get it checked first.
5. What should I do if I get a chemical splash in my eye?
Rinse the eye immediately with plenty of clean running water or saline, holding your eyelids open, for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if you can do so easily. Then call +65 6235 5833 or go to the nearest A&E. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Not sure what it is , let me find out what it is -Dr Cheryl Lee