Red Eye

Most red eyes are not serious. Conjunctivitis, dry eye, and subconjunctival haemorrhage are common presentations that usually resolve without specialist treatment.

The question is not whether you should be seen — it's whether you need to be seen urgently.

When Is a Red Eye Serious?

Red eye alone — usually not serious

If the eye is red but comfortable and vision is normal, the cause is less likely to be serious. This includes conjunctivitis, dry eye irritation, and subconjunctival haemorrhage — which can look dramatic but usually only requires reassurance and supportive care.

Red eye with pain — prompt

A red eye with significant pain may indicate something more significant — for example, a corneal foreign body, corneal ulcer, or inflammatory condition. These are treatable but should not be ignored.

Red eye with pain and reduced vision — urgent

This combination is more serious. Conditions such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, anterior uveitis, corneal infection, or infection within the eye — particularly after any procedure such as cataract surgery or a recent eye injection — can present this way. You may also notice light sensitivity, headache, nausea, or halos around lights. This needs same-day assessment.