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Red sore under the eye: what to know

Where Red Eye is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Red Eye is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

A red sore area under the eye may involve irritated skin, an eyelid problem, or nearby eye inflammation and should be monitored closely.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Observe
Whether redness, warmth, swelling, or pain is spreading
Protect
Avoid rubbing, squeezing, makeup, and contact lenses

Where the soreness may come from

The lower eyelid and surrounding skin can become sore after rubbing, cosmetics, eczema-like irritation, or a blocked gland. Allergic conjunctivitis may cause itchy, watery eyes with puffy skin. Conjunctivitis can cause redness and discharge, while infection in the skin around the eye may cause increasing warmth, swelling, and tenderness. The location matters: pain in the eye itself, rather than only beneath it, deserves particular attention. A photograph can help show progression but does not diagnose the cause.

Steps you can take

Clean away crusting gently with clean water and a fresh soft cloth for each wipe. Keep hands away from the area, stop eye makeup, and avoid contact lenses until symptoms are assessed or resolved. Do not squeeze a lump or apply steroid, antibiotic, or anaesthetic cream near the eye without professional advice. A cool compress may ease itch and puffiness; a warm compress may be suggested for some eyelid-gland problems, but worsening pain should be checked.

When to seek medical care

Seek urgent care for vision change, pain when moving the eye, severe eye pain, marked light sensitivity, fever with swelling around the eye, double vision, or an eye that appears pushed forward. Prompt assessment is also needed if redness spreads quickly, the eyelid becomes very swollen, or the person is unusually unwell. Contact a clinician if discharge or soreness persists.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether the problem is in the skin, eyelid, or eye surface; whether an infection is possible; which compress is suitable; and which changes require same-day review.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can conjunctivitis cause soreness under the eye?

It can cause surrounding irritation and discharge, although marked skin swelling or deep pain needs a clinical check.

When is swelling around the eye urgent?

Fever, vision change, pain with eye movement, double vision, or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent assessment.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.