Ophthalmology - Red Eye Differentials and Clinical Features

Question 1

What conditions can cause red eye?

Answer 1

1. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
2. Anterior Uveitis
3. Scleritis
4. Conjunctivitis
5. Subconjunctival Haemorrhage
6. Endophthalmitis

Question 2

In a stem, if it says ciliary congestion what does that mean?

Answer 2

Means red eye

Question 3

Acute angle closure glaucoma key clinical features?

Answer 3

Severe pain (may be ocular or headache)

Decreased visual acuity, patient sees haloes

Semi-dilated pupil

Hazy cornea

Question 4

Anterior Uveitis key clinical features?

Answer 4

Acute onset

Pain

Blurred vision and photophobia

Small, fixed oval pupil, ciliary flush

Question 5

Scleritis key clinical features?

Answer 5

Severe pain (may be worse on movement) and tenderness

May be underlying autoimmune disease e.g. rheumatoid arthritis

Question 6

Conjunctivitis key clinical features?

Answer 6

Purulent discharge if bacterial, clear discharge if viral

Question 7

Subconjunctival Haemorrhage key clinical features?

Answer 7

History of trauma

Coughing bouts

Question 8

Endophthalmitis key clinical features?

Answer 8

Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the internal eye tissues, most commonly caused by an infection

Typically red eye

Pain

Visual loss following intraocular surgery