Red eye assessment in Reservoir
Red eyes: when to seek care.
A red eye can be caused by something mild, such as irritation or allergy, but pain, light sensitivity or a change in vision can point to a problem that needs prompt assessment.
Because different eye conditions can look similar at first, it is safer to assess the symptoms and the eye rather than assume every red eye is conjunctivitis.
Tell us when the redness started, whether one or both eyes are affected, and if you have pain, discharge, light sensitivity, an injury or any change in vision. This helps us guide you to the right level of care.
Not all red eyes are the same
What can make an eye look red?
Common possibilities include infection, allergy, irritation, a problem involving the eyelids, or a small surface blood vessel. An injury, chemical exposure, a foreign body or a contact-lens complication can also cause redness. Less common causes can affect deeper parts of the eye and may threaten vision if treatment is delayed.
The pattern of symptoms matters. Itching in both eyes may fit an allergic pattern, while sticky discharge can occur with conjunctivitis. Pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision needs more urgent attention. An eye examination is the best way to work out what is happening and what care is appropriate.
For recurring itch and watering associated with hay fever, read our eye allergies and hay fever guide. Pain, light sensitivity or changed vision still needs prompt assessment.
If you have noticed a fleshy growth on the white of the eye, see our pterygium (surfer’s eye) guide. A new or changing growth should be examined rather than diagnosed from appearance alone.
A sharply defined, painless red patch with unchanged vision may be a surface bleed. Read our blood spot on the eye guide, and seek faster care if pain, injury or vision change is present.
Warning signs
Seek urgent help for a red eye with:
Vision or pain
Sudden blurred or lost vision, moderate or severe pain, or strong light sensitivity.
Injury or exposure
A chemical splash, penetrating injury, embedded object, or material entering the eye during drilling, cutting or grinding.
Other warning signs
Thick or coloured discharge, worsening symptoms with contact lenses, or severe headache, nausea, vomiting or sudden neurological symptoms.
For chemical exposure, a penetrating injury, sudden vision loss or severe symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department. Call triple zero (000) if the situation is immediately serious or it is unsafe to travel independently.
For other sudden eye concerns, call Reservoir Spectacles promptly and see our Medical & Urgent Eye Care page.
Contact lens wearers
Remove the lens if the eye becomes red, sore or blurry.
Do not continue wearing a contact lens in an irritated eye. Contact lens wearers should seek prompt advice if redness is accompanied by pain, light sensitivity, discharge or reduced vision, because infections affecting the clear front surface of the eye can be serious.
Do not use tap water or saliva on contact lenses, and do not restart lens wear until you have been advised that it is safe. For routine fitting and aftercare information, visit our Contact Lens Fitting page.
Before your assessment
Simple steps while you arrange care.
Protect the eye
Avoid rubbing it. Remove contact lenses if you can do so safely.
Reduce spread
Wash and dry your hands, and do not share towels, pillowcases, eye makeup or eye drops.
Bring useful details
Bring any eye drops, contact lenses or lens packaging you currently use. Do not use leftover prescription drops unless advised for this episode.
Treatment depends on the cause. Antibiotic drops do not help allergic or viral conjunctivitis, so a clear diagnosis matters.
What an assessment may involve
Checking the eye, vision and symptoms.
We may ask about the timing of symptoms, recent illness, allergies, contact lens wear, injury or chemical exposure. The assessment can include checking vision and examining the front of the eye and eyelids. Depending on what is found, we will explain suitable care or arrange referral when needed.
If the problem is not urgent and you are due for a broader eye health review, you can also read about our comprehensive eye tests in Reservoir.
Australian patient guidance
Reliable information about red eyes.
For general guidance on warning signs and conjunctivitis, see Healthdirect’s eye care advice and its conjunctivitis information. For chemical exposure or a foreign body, follow Healthdirect’s eye injury guidance.
Red eye care in Reservoir
Tell us what has changed.
For a painful red eye, sudden symptoms or a change in vision, call promptly. For routine eye care, you can book online.