Assess a patient presenting with a red eye by first identifying any signs or symptoms suggestive of a serious, sight-threatening cause, such as acute glaucoma, corneal laceration, corneal foreign body that cannot be removed in primary care, contact lens-related ulcer, corneal ulcer, endophthalmitis, intraocular foreign body, neonatal conjunctivitis, trauma, or chemical injury. Immediate referral to the emergency eye service is indicated for these conditions NICE CKS.
Look for features indicating a need for urgent referral within 24 hours, such as suspected anterior uveitis, scleritis, or if the diagnosis is unclear following clinical assessment NICE CKS.
Refer people urgently (within 24 hours) to the local eye clinic if they have suspected: anterior uveitis or scleritis NICE CKS.
If the diagnosis is uncertain or the clinical assessment suggests a serious or sight-threatening cause, seek ophthalmological advice promptly NICE CKS.
For conditions not requiring urgent referral, manage appropriately in primary care, but always consider red flag signs that warrant urgent assessment NICE CKS.