The Red Eye

By
Charlise A. Gunderson, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Ophthalmology
 Goals
 Review the anatomy of the eye
 Recognize common causes of the red eye
 Be able to diagnose the causes of a red eye
 Know when to refer a patient with a red eye
to an ophthalmologist
Practioners are often confronted with a patient
who presents with the red eye. The
practioner must make a diagnosis and
decide if referral to an ophthalmologist is
necessary and whether or not the referral is
urgent.
Review of Ocular Anatomy
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Eyelid anatomy


Lacrimal system and eye musculature
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Useful tools to aid in diagnosis: near vision card,
penlight with blue filter, topical anesthetic,
fluorescein strips
Possible Causes of a Red Eye
 Trauma
 Chemicals
 Infection
 Allergy
 Systemic Infections
Symptoms can help determine the
diagnosis
Symptom Cause

Itching allergy
Scratchiness/ burning lid, conjunctival, corneal
disorders, including
foreign body, trichiasis,
dry eye
Localized lid tenderness Hordeolum, Chalazion
Symptoms Contd

Symptom Cause

Deep, intense pain Corneal abrasions, scleritis

Iritis, acute glaucoma, sinusitis
Photophobia Corneal abrasions, iritis, acute
glaucoma
Halo Vision corneal edema (acute glaucoma,
contact lens overwear)
Diagnostic steps to evaluate the patient with
the red eye
 Check visual acuity
 Inspect pattern of redness
 Detect presence or absence of conjunctival
discharge and categorize as to amount
(scant or profuse) and character (purulent,
mucopurulent, or serous)
 Inspect cornea for opacities or irregularities
 Stain cornea with fluorescein
Diagnostic steps continued

 Estimate depth of anterior chamber

 Look for irregularities in pupil size or
reaction
 Look for proptosis (protrusion of the globe),
lid malfunction or limitations of eye
movement
How to interpret findings

 Decreased visual acuity suggests a serious

ocular disease. Not seen in simple
conjunctivitis unless there is corneal
involvement.
 Blurred vision that improves with

blinking suggests discharge or mucous on

the ocular surface
Checking Vision
 Checking visual acuity in the pediatric
group can be very challenging and may not
be practical in the pediatricians office for
nonverbal children.
 If the child is verbal and cooperative,
several methods are available
Checking Vision Contd
 Available methods:
 Snellen letters

 Tumbling E

 HOTV

 Allen pictures
These are examples of Allen figures. It is not important what the child
calls the figure but they must be consistent ie bird figure is often called a
dinosaur
Tumbling Es. Instruct the child to hold one hand with the
fingers pointing in the same direction as the legs of the E or it
may be easier to describe it as “the legs of the table.”
Checking Vision Contd
 Teach the child the tumbling E, HOTV, or
Allens by allowing the child to look at the
larger figures with both eyes open
 Test each eye individually making sure that
the other eye is completely occluded
 Test the affected eye first to make sure that
you have good attention and that the child
does not tire
Pattern of Redness
Ciliary flush – injection of deep conjunctival vessels and episcleral vessels
surrounding the cornea. Seen in iritis (inflammation in the anterior
chamber) or acute glaucoma. Not seen in simple conjunctivitis
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Conjunctival hyperemia: engorgement of more superficial vessels.
Nonspecific sign.
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Corneal opacities
 Three types of corneal opacities
 Keratic precipitates

 Diffuse haze

 Localized opacities
Keratic precipitates are cellular deposits on the corneal endothelium and
result from iritis (inflammation in the anterior chamber)
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Diffuse haze: corneal edema or swelling, frequently seen in angle closure
glaucoma. Note the indistinct margins of the corneal light reflex.
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Localized opacities may be due to keratitis (corneal inflammation) or ulcer
(localized corneal infection)
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Methods of checking corneal epithelial disruption

 Observe reflection from the cornea with single light source

(ie penlight) as patient moves eye in various positions.
Disruptions cause distortion and irregularity of reflection
 Apply fluorescein to the eye and breaks in the epithelium
will stain bright green when viewed with a cobalt blue
light
Corneal epithelial defects outlined by fluorescein when viewed with a
cobalt blue light (many penlights have a blue cap that can be placed over
them or some direct ophthalmoscopes have a blue light).
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Pupillary abnormalities
 In iritis spasm of the iris sphincter muscles
may cause the pupil to be smaller in the
affected eye or may be distorted due to
inflammatory adhesions.
 Pupil is fixed and mid-dilated in acute angle
closure glaucoma
 The pupil is unaffected in conjunctivitis
Anterior Chamber Depth Estimation
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Try to compare the anterior chamber depth of
the two eyes
A narrow anterior chamber suggests angle
closure glaucoma
Angle closure glaucoma is unusual in
children, but may be seen in children with
retinopathy of prematurity
Proptosis
 Forward displacement of the globe
 Sudden proptosis suggests serious orbital or
cavernous sinus disease
 In children, orbital infection or tumor must
be ruled out
 May be accompanied by conjunctival
hyperemia or limitation of ocular movement
The proptotic eye appears larger than the normal eye with
more of the white sclera showing.


Red Eye Disorders:
An Anatomical Approach
 Lids
 Orbit
 Lacrimal System
 Conjunctivitis
 Cornea
 Anterior Chamber
Lid Disorders
 Hordeolum/Chalazion
 Blepharitis
Hordeolum/Chalazion
 Usually begins as diffuse swelling followed
by localization of a nodule to the lid margin
 Hordeolum – staphylococcal infection of
the glands of Zeis
 Chalazion – obstruction of the meibomian
glands
Hordeolum/Chalazion Treatment
 In children surgical excision often requires a
general anesthetic in the operating room;
therefore, extended trials of conservative therapy
are warranted
 Treatment includes warm compresses and topical
antibiotic drops or ointment four times a day.
Antibiotics should be continued for 3-4 days after
spontaneous rupture to prevent recurrence
Hordeolum/Chalazion Treatment
Contd
 Lesions present for more than a month
seldom resolve spontaneously and should be
referred to an ophthalmologist on a non-
urgent basis if no resolution with
conservative management
 Systemic antibiotics should only be used if
the hordeolum or chalazion becomes
secondarily infected
The nodule on the patient’s right upper lid is a chalazion.
Blepharitis
 Chronic inflammation of the lid margin
 Types: staphylococcal or seborrheic
 Symptoms: foreign-body sensation,
burning, mattering
 May predispose to chalazia,
blepharoconjunctivitis, loss of lashes
Blepharitis: note the crusting in the lashes and the thickened
lid margin
Blepharitis Treatment
 Warm compresses
 Lid scrubs with 50/50 mixture of
nonirritating shampoo (Johnson and
Johnson’s baby shampoo) and water daily
 Antibiotic ointment at bedtime for 2-3
weeks (Bacitracin or erythromycin)
 Resistant cases can be referred to the
ophthalmologist on a non-urgent basis
Blepharitis
 In general, blepharitis is not curable only
controllable and exacerbations are common
Orbital Disease
 Preseptal cellulitis
 Orbital cellulitis
Differentiation between preseptal and orbital
cellulitis is important because treatment,
prognosis, and complications are different
Preseptal Cellulitis
 Infection of the eyelids and soft tissue
structures anterior to the orbital septum
 May be due to skin infection, trauma, upper
respiratory illness or sinus infection
Preseptal Cellulitis - Symptoms
 Mild to very severe eyelid edema
 Eyelid erythema
 Normal ocular motility
 Normal pupil exam
 Mild systemic signs (fever, preauricular and
submandibular adenopathy)
Preseptal Cellulitis - Evaluation
 Swab drainage if present for gram stain and
culture
 CBC
 Blood cultures in more severe cases
 CT scan of orbit to assess the paranasal
sinuses, posterior extention into the orbit,
and presence of subperiosteal or orbital
abcesses
Preseptal Cellulitis - treatment
 Systemic antibiotics
 The younger the patient and the more severe
the disease the more likely to initiate
inpatient treatment (IV antibiotics)
Orbital Cellulits
 Infectious process posterior to the orbital
septum that affects orbital contents
 Medical emergency !!!!
 Requires combined efforts of pediatrician,
ophthalmologist and often otolaryngologist
for management
Orbital Cellulitis - Causes
 Bacterial infection of the adjacent paranasal
sinuses, particularly the ethmoids
 Infants may develop secondary to
dacryocysitis (infection of the nasolacrimal
system)
Orbital Cellulitis – Signs and Symptoms

 Redness and swelling of lids

 Impaired motility often with pain on eye
movement
 Proptosis
 Decreased vision
 Afferent pupillary defect
 Optic disc edema
Orbital Cellulitis: Note the marked lid swelling and
erythema
Orbital Cellulitis: Note the periorbital edema and erythema
and the chemosis (conjunctival swelling)
Picture from Section 6 of the Basic and Clinical Science Course published by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Orbital Cellulitis Management
 Hospitilization
 Ophthalmology consult (urgent)
 Blood culture
 Orbital CT scan
 IV antibiotics
Orbital Cellulitis Complications
 Optic nerve damage (permanent visual loss)
 Menititis in 1.9% of cases as infection may
spread through the valveless orbital veins
 Subperiosteal abcess
 Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Subperiosteal abcess of the left orbit. Note the dome shaped elevation of
the periosteum along the left medial orbital wall.
Picture from Section 6 of the Basic and Clinical Science Course published by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology

R L
Lacrimal System
 Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
 Dacryocystocele
Nasolacrimal Duct (NLD) Obstruction:
Congenital
 Normal baseline lacrimation increases over the
first 2 to 3 weeks of life therefore NLD
obstructions may not be evident until the child is 3
weeks old
 Usually due to failure of membranous valve of
Hasner to regress
 Up to 90% will spontaneously resolve without
treatment (75% in the first six months of life)
Symptoms
 One or both eyes appear moist
 Tears overflow and stream down the cheek
 Chronic or intermittent infections
 Crusting of eyelashes
 Periocular skin red and irritated
Treatment
 Topical antibiotics (use prn yellow or green discharge, may
use polytrim drops or erythromycin ointment)
 Lacrimal sac massage (apply digital pressure over the
lacrimal sac and then pull finger down the side of the nose)
 Probe and irrigation
 Attempt to rupture the membranous valve of Hasner

 Silicone intubation
 Recommended after no response to two probings or

child over 1 year of age

When to refer
 Children with suspected NLD obstructions
should be referred to an ophthalmologist at
9 months of age if no resolution. Children
under 1 year of age may be offered the
option of an in office probing which can
avoid general anesthesia.
NLD obstruction of the right eye. Note the overflow
tearing and the mucous on the lashes without redness
of the conjunctiva.
Picture from Section 6 of the Basic and Clinical Science Course published by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Congenital Dacryocystocele
 Blue, cyst like mass below medial canthal
tendon
 Nasolacrimal sac and duct distended with
fluid
 Upper and lower duct obstructions
 Frequent secondary infections
Dacryosystocele treatment
 Small percentage spontaneously
decompress
 Digital massage of lacrimal sac and topical
antibiotics
 Nasolacrimal duct probing with or without
systemic antibiotics
Congenital Dacryocystocele of the right eye. Note the
elevation and bluish coloration of the skin.
Picture from Section 6 of the Basic and Clinical Science Course published by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Dacryocystitis
Conjunctiva
 Conjunctivitis
 Ophthalmia neonatorum
 Subconjunctival hemorrhage
 Dry Eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
Conjunctivitis
 Nonspecific term for inflammation and
erythema of the conjunctiva.
 Several causes:
 Bacterial

 Viral

 Allergic

 Chemical
Conjunctivitis Contd
 History and symptoms can help determine
the etiology
 Correct diagnosis has direct implications for
treatment and possible spread to close
contacts
Conjunctivitis Contd
 History
 Any recent contact with some one with a red
eye (within the past 2-3 weeks)?
 How did it start?

 Has it spread from one eye to the other?

 Any tearing or discharge?

 Any changes in vision?

 Does it itch?

 Has the child been rubbing their eyes?

Conjunctivitis - Discharge
Discharge Cause

Purulent Bacteria
Clear Viral
White mucous Allergies
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
 Common causes
 Staphylococcus

 Streptococcus

 Hemophilus

 Pneumococcus
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
 Erythema of conjunctiva
 Purulent discharge
 May be monocular (one eye) or binocular
(both eyes)
 Hemophilis may cause hemorrhage on the
conjuctiva and occasionally the lids
Bacterial conjunctivitis: note the purulent discharge
and conjunctival hyperemia
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Bacterial Conjunctivitis - treatment

 Broad spectrum topical antibiotics

 Polytrim, Ocuflox, Ciloxan

 Warm compresses
 Children may return to school once
antibiotic therapy is instituted
 Refer if not markedly improved within 4
days
Viral Conjunctivitis
 Adenovirus
 May be associated with systemic viral
infections
 Herpetic
 Picornavirus and enterovirus type 70 cause
a hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
Viral Conjunctivitis (non-herpetic)

 HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS
 Usually starts in one eye and progresses to
the second eye
 Often a history of recent contact with
another person with a red eye or “pink eye”
 Children must be kept out of school until
tearing stops (up to two weeks)
Viral conjunctivitis - symptoms
 Often bilateral
 Often with diffuse, marked hyperemia
 Watery discharge
 Chemosis ( swelling of conjunctiva)
 Some itching and foreign body sensation
 Preauricular adenopathy
 URI, sore throat, fever common
Viral conjunctivitis: note the diffuse redness and watery
discharge
Viral conjunctivitis - treatment
 Cold compresses
 Good hygiene – wash hands, do not share
wash cloths, pillows, towels etc.
 Topical treatment for symptom relief only
(will not shorten the course of the disease)
 Patanol, Zaditor, Acular, Artificial tears

 No role for topical antibiotics

Viral conjunctivitis - complications
 Usually resolves without sequelae
 May be associated with corneal infiltrates
that can decrease vision
 Pseudomembranes on conjunctival surfaces
of lids – seem with eversion of lids and
require removal with a dry Q-tip. May refer
to ophthalmologist for this urgently if
uncomfortable doing this in the office
Viral Conjunctivitis - Herpetic
 Profuse watery discharge
 May have eyelid margin ulcers and vesicles
 Corneal involvement may result in
permanent scarring and visual loss
 Urgent referral to ophthalmologist for
treatment with topical antivirals
Herpetic lid lesions from Herpes Simplex virus
Picture from Section 6 of the Basic and Clinical Science Course published by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Typical herpetic corneal lesion stained with rose bengal. Note
the branching (dendritic) pattern.
Picture from Section 6 of the Basic and Clinical Science Course published by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Allergic Conjunctivitis
 Associated with hay fever, asthma, eczema
 Often bilateral and seasonal
 Milder conjunctival hyperemia
 Chemosis
 Itching (primary symptom)
 Not contagious, children may return to
school
Allergic conjunctivitis: note the conjunctival
erythema but no watery discharge
Allergic conjunctivitis - treatment
 Cold compresses
 Topical antihistamines (Livostin)
 Topical non-steroidals (Acular)
 Topical mast cell stabilizers (Alomide)
 Not effective until after one week of use
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
 Chemical
 Gonococcal
 Chlamydial
 Herpetic
Chemical conjunctivitis
 Onset: first 24 hours
 Cause: silver nitrate (90%)
 Signs & Sxs: bilateral, mild eyelid edema,
clear discharge, conjunctival injection
 Treatment: supportive, spontaneous
resolution in a few days
Gonococcal conjunctivitis
 Onset: 48 hours
 Cause: Neisseria gonorrhea via birth canal
 Signs & Sxs: severe, purulent discharge,
chemosis, eyelid edema
 Dx: gram stain
 Treatment: systemic cefriaxone or Pen G,
topical erythromycin and irrigation
Gonococcal conjunctivitis – note the copious amounts of
purulent discharge
Picture from Section 6 of the Basic and Clinical Science Course published by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Chlamydial conjunctivitis
 Onset: 4 to 7 days
 Cause:
 Signs & Sxs: more indolent, eyelid edema,
pseudomembrane formation
 Dx: Giemsa-stained conj swabbings,
fluorescent antibody staining
 Treament: topical and oral erythromycin
 Treat parents as well
Herpetic conjunctivitis
 Onset: 1 – 2 weeks
 Cause: HSV 2 via birth canal
 Signs & Sxs: serous discharge,conj
injection and geographic keratitis
 Dx: Gram stain (multinucleated giant
cells), Papanicolaou stain, viral cultures
 Treatment: topical antiviral
trifluorothymidine and systemic acyclovir
Subconjunctival hemorrhage
 Bleeding into the potential space between
the conjunctiva and sclera
 Usually resolve without sequelae and
require no treatment
 May be due to trauma, associated with
conjunctivitis, coughing, sneezing
 No need for referral
Subconjunctival hemorrhage
 If associated with trauma inspect globe
carefully to rule out other injuries
 Corneal abrasions (discussed later)

 Open globe (emergency requiring

immediate referral to ophthalmologist)

 Hyphema (discussed later)
Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Dry Eyes
 Unusual in children
 Symptoms
 Burning, foreign body sensation, reflex
tearing, mild if any conjuncitival
hyperemia
Dry Eyes
 Associated with:
 Aging

 Rheumatoid arthritis

 Stevens-Johnson syndrome

 Systemic medications
Dry eyes - treatment
 Artificial tear drops – may be used as
needed
 May refer to an ophthalmologist on non-
urgent basis if no relief
Cornea
 Corneal Abrasions
 Corneal Ulcers
 Herpetic Keratitis
 Chemical Burns
Corneal Abrasions
 Often a history of trauma or getting
something in the eye or contact lens wear
 Symptoms:
 Pain, photophobia (light sensitivity),

redness, tearing, blurred vision

 Usually monocular
Corneal Abrasions - Diagnosis
 Application of fluorescien dye into the eye
and viewing with a cobalt – blue light.
Abrasion will appear green.
 Application of a topical anesthetic (Alcaine)
will aid with exam if available
Corneal Abrasions - treatment
 Small abrasions will heal within 24 hours, larger
abrasions take longer
 May patch with a topical antibiotic ointment for
24 hours (patch aids for comfort so that lid does
not constantly pass across abrasion, not practical
in younger children)
 Prescribe topical antibiotic ointment or drop
 Patient should be followed daily or every other
day until healed
 May refer to ophthalmologist for the next day
follow up
Patching technique
 Instill either an antibiotic ointment or drop into the
eye
 Instruct the patient to close both eyes
 Place two eye pads over the affected eye (may fold
the bottom pad in half to apply more pressure)
 Tape firmly in place so that patient can not open
lids beneath patch
 The patch should be removed in 24 hours
Pressure patch applied to left eye
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Corneal Ulcer
 A localized infection of the cornea
 Usually bacterial, but may be fungal or
protozoan (ameoba)
 Requires emergent referral to an
opthalmologist
Corneal Ulcer: Signs/Symptoms
 Pain
 Photophobia
 Foreign body sensation
 Conjunctival hypermia
 White opacity on the cornea
 Anterior chamber inflammation (iritis)
 May have associated hypopyon (pus in the
anterior chamber)
Corneal Ulcer
 Patient may have history of trauma or
contact lens wear
 Always suspect fungal infection if trauma is
with vegetative matter i.e. tree branch
Corneal Ulcer: note the white lesion on the central cornea,
the hypopyon (pus in the anterior chamber), and the
conjunctival hyperemia
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Corneal Ulcer: treatment
 If ulcer severe, patient monocular (only has
one seeing eye), or patient young may
require hospitialization
 Intensive topical antibiotic therapy with
broad spectrum antibiotic (i.e. Ocuflox,
Ciloxan, fortified Keflex)
 Corneal cultures and gram stain
Corneal Ulcers: complications
 corneal scarring and permanent visual loss
 corneal perforation requiring emergent
surgical intervention
Herpetic Keratitis
 Due to herpes simplex virus
 Corneal involvement usually preceeded by
conjunctival involvement
 Refer to an ophthalmologist within 24 hours
so that topical antiviral treatment may be
started
Typical dendritic lesion of herpetic keratitis stained
with fluorescein
Herpetic Keratitis: complications and
prognosis
 Recurrent process
 Corneal scarring is common and leads to
visual loss
Chemical Injury
 Range from mild inflammation to severe
damage with loss of the eye
 Most important chemicals are strong acids
and bases
Acid Injuries
 Acid burns produce denaturation and
coagulation of protein. Acid damage often
limited by nuetralization of the buffering
action of the tissues
 Damage limited to area of contamination
 Sulfuric and Nitric acids most common
 Usually industrial, but may result from
automobile battery explosions
Alkaline Injuries
 Penetrate ocular tissues rapidly and produce
intense ocular reactions
 Damage widespread, uncontrolled, and
progressive
 Often results in epithelial loss, corneal
opacification, scarring, severe dry eye,
cataract, glaucoma and blindness
Chemical Injury: Treatment
 The single most important step in
management is complete and copious
irrigation of the eye
 Treatment should be instituted within
minutes
 A true ocular emergency!!!!
Ocular Irrigation
 Instill a drop of topical anesthetic if
available (proparicaine)
 Use eye irrigation solutions and normal
saline IV drip
 Squeeze copious amounts of solution into
the eye and direct towards the temple, away
from the unaffected eye
 Irrigate under the lids
Chemical Injury: Treatment
 After several minutes of irrigation, check
the pH of the eye by placing litmus paper
into the inferior fornix
 If the pH is not neutral resume irrigation
until pH neutralized
 Recheck pH 30 minutes after neurtralization
as pH can rise again after irrigation stopped
Chemical Injury: Treatment
 Remove any visible particulate matter
 Requires emergent referral to an
ophthalmologist; however, commence
irrigation prior to calling the
ophthalmologist
Anterior Chamber
 Iritis
 Hyphema
Iritis
 Inflammation of the anterior segment of the
eye
 May be idiopathic, secondary to trauma, or
associated with a systemic disease
Iritis – signs/symptoms
 Ciliary flush
 Photophobia (light sensitivity)
 Miotic pupil (pupil is smaller on affected
side)
 Keratic precipitates
 Usually not associated with tearing or
discharge
Iritis - treatment
 Steroids – may be topical, injected below
the conjunctiva or tenon’s, or oral
depending on cause and severity of iritis
 Cycloplegia – use of cycloplegic drop to
dilate pupil. This will decrease movement
of iris thus aiding with pain and help
prevent scarring of iris to the lens
Iritis - referral
 Should be referred on an urgent basis to an
ophthalmologist for treatment and follow-up
Hyphema
 Blood in the anterior chamber
 Usually associated with trauma
 Requires emergent referral to an
ophthalmologist for treatment
Hyphema – note the layered blood in the anterior chamber
Picture taken from Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Hyphema - treatment

 Strict bedrest
 Topical steroids
 Topical cycloplegic agents
 Admit to hospital if young or concerned about
follow-up or compliance
 Need daily exams for 5 days including
measurement of intraocular pressure
 Sickle-cell prep (patients with sickle cell trait need
more aggressive management of elevated
intraocular pressures)
Review
 True emergency (therapy instituted within
minutes):
 Chemical Injuries
Review
 Require same day referrals
 Orbital cellulitis

 Ophthalmia neonatorum (except

chemical)
 Iritis

 Hyphema

 Corneal Ulcers
Review
 Refer in 1-2 days:
 Preseptal cellulitis

 Dacryocystocele

 Herpetic conjunctivitis

 Herpetic keratitis

 Corneal abrasions
Review
 Refer if no response to conservative management:
 Hordeolum/Chalazion

 Blepharitis

 NLD obstruction

 Viral conjunctivitis

 Allergic conjunctivitis

 Bacterial conjunctivitis (exept due to

gonorrhea)
 Dry Eyes