Redness around the iris: what to know

The iris is the coloured ring around the pupil. Red vessels on the white of the eye may become more noticeable near it after dryness, rubbing, dust, allergy or infection. Conjunctivitis commonly affects the surface and may bring watering, discharge or itch.

A concentrated red ring close to the iris, especially with aching, light sensitivity or reduced vision, can reflect inflammation deeper in the eye. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Note whether one or both eyes are affected, whether the pupil looks different, and whether symptoms began after an injury or contact lens use.

Leave the eye alone, wash your hands before touching the surrounding skin, and remove contact lenses. Avoid swimming, eye makeup and non-prescribed drops while symptoms continue. A cool clean compress may ease surface irritation, but it should not delay an examination when pain or visual symptoms are present.

If a chemical entered the eye, rinse continuously with clean running water and seek emergency help. Do not patch the eye or attempt to scrape away a mark. Take note of medicines, allergies and any recent eye procedure for the clinician.

Arrange same-day eye assessment for pain near the iris, light sensitivity, blurred vision, halos, a cloudy surface, nausea, unequal pupils or redness after trauma. Seek emergency care for sudden loss of vision, severe pain, a penetrating injury or a chemical exposure. Contact lens wear with a painful red eye also needs urgent review.

Ask whether the redness is on the surface or deeper around the iris, and whether the cornea, pupil and eye pressure need examination. Ask when you may restart lenses or cosmetics and which symptoms mean you should return immediately.