Abstract
Patients with the primary symptom of a red eye are commonly seen in pediatric primary
care clinics. The differential diagnoses of a red eye are broad, but with a succinct
history and physical examination, the diagnosis can be readily identified in many
patients. Identifying conditions that threaten vision and understanding the urgency
of referral to an ophthalmologist is paramount. Some systemic diseases such as leukemia,
sarcoidosis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis can present with the chief symptom
of a red eye. Finally, trauma, ranging from mild to severe, often precipitates an
office visit with a red eye, and thus understanding the signs that raise concern for
a ruptured globe is essential. In the primary care setting, with a focused history,
a few simple examination techniques, and an appreciation of the differential diagnosis,
one can feel confident in managing patients with acute red eyes.
Key Words
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Biography
Casey Beal, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Biography
Beverly Giordano, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 02, 2016
Footnotes
Funded in part by an unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, New York, NY.
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
Copyright © 2016 by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
