RED EYE & KERATITIS IN PAPHOS
A red or painful eye can come from many different causes. The aim of assessment is to distinguish simple surface irritation from conditions affecting the cornea, tear film, eyelids, or internal eye structures that need closer treatment or follow-up.
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. It may be infectious or non-infectious, and symptoms can overlap with dry eye, allergy, blepharitis, trauma, contact lens-related problems, or inflammatory disease.
Contact lens-related redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, discharge, a foreign body sensation after trauma, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling should be assessed promptly.
Redness or pain in a contact lens wearer deserves particular caution because corneal infection can progress quickly. The examination checks the corneal surface, staining pattern, tear film, eyelids, and any signs that treatment needs to be escalated.
Assessment may include vision testing, slit-lamp examination, fluorescein staining, eyelid and tear film review, eye pressure measurement when appropriate, and corneal imaging if surface irregularity or corneal shape is relevant.
Management may involve lubricants, eyelid treatment, anti-inflammatory treatment, antimicrobial treatment, changes to contact lens use, or closer follow-up. The treatment plan depends on the diagnosis and severity of the findings.
Dry eye, blepharitis, MGD, and corneal topography may all be relevant when red eye or irritation keeps recurring.