H57.1
DESCRIPTION
Pain and redness in one eye only, indicates inflammation of the anterior structures of the eye.
Exclude bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (often bilateral and associated with irritation, rather than pain).
Consider acute closed angle glaucoma and manage appropriately. See Glaucoma, acute and closed angle.
REFERRAL
Urgent within 12–24 hours:
All patients (excluding those with conjunctivitis):
- Single painful red eye.
- Corneal ulceration including herpes infection.
- Sudden loss or change in vision, including blurred or reduced vision.
- Sudden onset of visual problems, associated with dizziness, weakness on either one or both sides, difficulty speaking or swallowing (possible stroke; see: Stroke).
- Foreign body associated with welding or grinding.
- Chemical burn. See: Eye injury, chemical burn.
- Whole eyelid swollen, red and painful (consider orbital cellulitis).
- Coloured haloes around light, dilated oval pupil, headache, nausea, vomiting (possible glaucoma; see: Glaucoma, acute and closed angle).