Red eye (by symptoms)
CAUSTIC CONTAMINATION:
-caustic keratoconjunctivitis**
[anesth/irrigation until ph 7/optho]
...alkaline exp requires min 4L over 40min
PROPTOSIS or EXT SWELLING:
-blepharitis
[warm compresses 15min 4x/day, scrub w/ mild shampoo BID, outpt optho]
-chalazion
-stye (hordeolum)
[warm compress 15min 4xday, massage, optho if fails]
-dacrocystitis:inflammation lower eyelid near punctum
[oral analgesia, abx, optho]
-inflam pseudotumor: retrobulbar inflamm
[iop, systemic w/u, CT, steroids and optho]
-peri/orbital cellulitis*: orbital w/ systemic sx
[CTX/Vanco, cx, CT, admit]
-retrobulbar abscess/emphysema/hematoma**
[iop, abx, correct coagulopathy, admit]
-orbital tumor*
[iop, ct, optho]
SEVERE PAIN or FB SENSATION:
-keratitis*
[r/o penetration, tetanus, topical abx, optho referral]
-keratoconjunctivitis
-epi/scleritis
-anterior uveitis*
[optho recs]
-acute angle-closure glaucoma**
[iop, timolol, apraclonidine, prednisolone, pilocarpine, mannitol 2g/kg IV]
-hyphema*
[r/o rupture, head elevation, optho]
-endophthalmitis*
[CTX, vanco; admit to optho]
FOCAL REDNESS or BULBAR CONJUNCTIVA
-inflamed pterygium
[naphazoline/ketorolac drops, outpt referral]
-scleral penetration**
[pain relief, antiemetic, tetanus, admit optho]
-subconjunctival hemorrhage
[hx re coagulopathy, reassure will resolve 2-3 wks]
PURULENT DISCHARGE
-bacterial conjunctivitis*
[peds: polymyxin B + trimethoprim ointment 10Ds OU]
[adults: sulfacetamide or gent; cipro if pseudomonas; drops 10D OU]
ITCHING SENSATION
-allergic conjunctivitis
[naphazoline drops, oral antihistamines, outpt optho]
TOPICAL MEDS or COSMETICS
-contact dermatoconjunctivitis
-toxic conjunctivitis
[irrigate, naphazoline drops, outpt for tx failure]
IF NONE OF ABOVE: (consider)
-Chlamydia conjunctivitis
[PO erythromycin x 14D; CTX for gonorrhea]
-viral conjunctivitis
[naphazoline or ketorolac drops]
Source
Adapted from Pani
