Red eyes with pain and light sensitivity: what to know

Pain and photophobia suggest more than a cosmetic change in the eye surface. Irritation, a scratched cornea, inflammation inside the eye, infection, or a foreign body can produce this combination. Conjunctivitis may cause redness and discomfort, while severe pain or reduced vision points to a need for examination rather than self-diagnosis. Record whether the pain is deep or gritty, whether one eye is affected, and whether the pupil or vision looks different.

Stop wearing contact lenses and avoid eye makeup. Rest in a dim room, wear sunglasses for comfort, and do not rub or press on the eye. Do not use leftover prescription drops, particularly steroid or anaesthetic drops, unless a clinician has prescribed them for this episode. If a chemical entered the eye, rinse continuously with clean water while obtaining emergency help. Do not drive if vision is blurred or light makes it difficult to see.

Seek urgent eye care for a painful red eye with light sensitivity. Treat reduced vision, a new pupil difference, severe headache with nausea, marked swelling, injury, or a foreign body as emergency warning signs. Contact-lens wearers should not wait if pain, discharge, or vision change is present because the cornea can be involved.

Ask what part of the eye is affected and whether the surface needs staining or another examination. Share the timing of pain and light sensitivity, contact-lens use, injury or chemical exposure, discharge, headache, nausea, and any change in sight.