European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background and Objectives: Red eye is common presentation to ophthalmology out-patient
and emergency clinics. The spectrum of diseases range from conjunctivitis, keratitis,
epicscleritis, scleritis, trauma, dry eye disease to orbital cellulitis, angle closure glaucoma and
endophthalmitis. Detailed history and complete ocular examination are necessary for accurate
diagnosis. This study was conceptualized to determine the most common causes of red eyes, in
an effort to generate evidence, which would help us in managing the causes of red eye more
effectively.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried was out in 500 patients who
presented to Ophthalmology out-patient clinics of GMC Jammu with red eye. Detailed history
was taken from each patient and complete ocular examination was performed. The data was
expressed as percentages and subsequently analyzed with the OpenEpi online software version
3. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. All p value used were two-tailed.
Results: The mean age in our study was 36.85±11.6 years with age range of 18-60 years. There
were 57.8% males and 42.2% females. Most patients (58.8%) were from urban areas. The most
common causes of red eye were conjunctivitis (35.4%), foreign bodies (26.8%) and
conjunctival degenerations (14.4%). Most of the patients (85.2%) presented within 14 days of
onset of red eye.
Conclusion: Red eye can be differential diagnosis of many ocular conditions. Accurate
diagnosis is very important for appropriate management. Most common causes of red eye
include conjunctivitis, foreign bodies and conjunctival degenerations.