[36M] With sudden onset eye pain and redness

Patient Description

A 36-year-old male reports sudden onset of significant eye pain, redness, and tearing. The patient is experiencing difficulty keeping the eye open and has a strong urge to keep it closed. Washing the eye did not alleviate the symptoms. The patient is unsure of any specific injury or foreign object that may have caused the symptoms, and there is no recollection of exposure to dust, chemicals, or other irritants. The symptoms started approximately 10 minutes ago.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few serious conditions that could be causing your eye pain and redness:

  1. Corneal Abrasion: This is a scratch on the surface of your eye, which can cause significant pain, redness, tearing, and difficulty keeping your eye open. It can occur from minor trauma, such as rubbing your eye or getting something in it.

  2. Chemical Burn: If your eye was exposed to a chemical, it could cause severe pain, redness, and tearing. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

  3. Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is a sudden increase in pressure inside the eye, which can cause severe pain, redness, and vision changes. It is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.

  4. Foreign Body in the Eye: Even if you don't remember something getting into your eye, a small particle could be causing irritation and pain.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Here are the steps you should take:

  1. Seek Emergency Care: Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center immediately. If you are unable to get there yourself, call 911 or have someone drive you.

  2. Avoid Rubbing Your Eye: Rubbing your eye can worsen the condition, especially if there is a foreign object or abrasion.

  3. Protect Your Eye: If possible, cover your eye with a clean, loose bandage or cloth to prevent further irritation.

  4. Do Not Apply Medications: Avoid using any eye drops or ointments unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and it is essential to get a formal diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Your symptoms could indicate a serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention.

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4 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a corneal abrasion?

Common symptoms of a corneal abrasion include significant eye pain, redness, tearing, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of having something in the eye. It can also cause blurred vision and difficulty keeping the eye open.


How can I differentiate between a chemical burn and other eye injuries?

A chemical burn in the eye typically causes immediate and severe pain, redness, tearing, and sometimes vision changes. It often occurs after exposure to a chemical substance. If you suspect a chemical burn, it is crucial to rinse the eye with water and seek emergency medical care immediately.


What are the signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma?

Signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma include sudden severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, and seeing halos around lights. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.


What should I do if I suspect a foreign body in my eye?

If you suspect a foreign body in your eye, avoid rubbing the eye and try to rinse it gently with clean water or saline solution. If the discomfort persists, seek medical attention to have the eye examined and the foreign body safely removed.


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