Red eyes with pain and light sensitivity: what to know

Allergic Conjunctivitis commonly causes itching and watering, while Conjunctivitis can cause irritation, discharge, and a gritty feeling. Significant pain or photophobia is less typical of a mild surface problem and can signal inflammation or injury inside or around the eye. A scratched cornea, a trapped foreign body, contact-lens complication, or another urgent eye condition may look similar at first. Only an examination can separate these possibilities.

Arrange same-day medical advice, protect the eye from bright light with sunglasses, and avoid rubbing or pressing on it. Remove contact lenses and do not wear them again until an eye professional confirms it is safe. Do not patch the eye, try to remove an embedded object, or use leftover prescription drops. If vision is affected, ask someone else to drive you rather than driving yourself.

Go to urgent care for severe or rapidly increasing pain, sudden vision change, marked swelling, an injury, chemical exposure, nausea with eye pain, or difficulty opening the eye. Contact-lens wearers should not delay assessment. Emergency help is appropriate when vision is suddenly reduced or the eye has been exposed to a chemical; rinse as instructed by emergency services while seeking help.

Ask what part of the eye is inflamed, whether the cornea is affected, which drops are safe, how long to avoid lenses, and what change should trigger emergency review.