Differential diagnosis of red eye

General Medicine, 2025, 27(6), 53-57.

E. Mermeklieva

„Lozenets“ University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Sofia University „Sveti Kliment Ohridski“ – Sofia

Abstract. Red eye is a symptom of various eye diseases – most often conjunctivitis, keratitis, episcleritis and scleritis, iridocyclitis and acute glaucomatous attack. The etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases are very different and the accurate differentiation of the correct diagnosis is essential for a favorable therapeutic outcome. The knowledge of the differential-diagnostic differences by the general practitioners is a prerequisite for proper treatment and prevention of potentially fatal vision complications.

Key words: red eye, conjunctivitis, keratitis, iridocyclitis, acute glaucoma

Address for correspondence: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Mermeklieva, MD, е-mail: elenamermeklieva@yahoo.com