Causes - Redness of the whites of the eye (sclera) may have several causes with different types of presentations. Here are some common problems and their most usual cause, but there can be some variations:
- Red eye with yellow eye discharge - "pink eye" or bacterial conjunctivitis
- Red eye without discharge and with a cold - viral conjunctivitis
- Red eyes with itching, watery discharge - allergic conjunctivitis
- Red eye with history of trauma or chemical in the eye
- Red eye with pain, watery discharge - possible foreign body in the eye or corneal abrasion
- Eye with redness of the skin around the eye and swelling of the tissue around the eye - infection of the tissue around the eye (periorbital cellulitis)
- Eye discharge in a newborn baby - blocked tear duct (naso-lacrimal duct)
- Swollen lump near the lid margin - stye
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CALL DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
- Eyelids very swollen with redness of the eyelid
- History of direct or blunt trauma
- Blurry vision, especially after any trauma
- Constant tearing, blinking or pain in the eye
- Possibility of foreign body in the eye
CALL DURING NORMAL HOURS
- There is a yellow eye discharge
- Redness more than 3 days
- Constant itching, watery discharge
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