Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Red eye

A red eye is a symptom with many causes. Itching or discharge is often harmless, but pain, sensitivity to light, worsening vision, contact lens use, an abnormal pupil, a newborn baby or an eye injury requires prompt assessment.

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A red eye is a symptom with many causes. Itching or discharge is often harmless, but pain, sensitivity to light, worsening vision, contact lens use, an abnormal pupil, a newborn baby or an eye injury requires prompt assessment.

  • Itching and watering in both eyes are more often associated with allergy.
  • Sticky or pus-like discharge can occur with conjunctivitis.
  • Remove contact lenses immediately and do not reuse the lenses, case or solution before assessment.
  • Wash your hands, do not rub your eyes and do not share towels, make-up or eye drops.
  • Call the same day for pain, sensitivity to light, reduced vision, a lot of pus or a red eye while using contact lenses.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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EpiscleritisEpiscleritis is usually mild inflammation of the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. It often causes a sudden local red patch, irritation and mild tenderness without reduced vision. A red eye with severe deep pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, contact-lens use or injury needs prompt assessment because a more serious cause may be present.
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Contact lens problemsA red, painful or watery eye associated with contact lenses can range from irritation to a serious corneal infection. Remove your lenses immediately if symptoms develop and do not wear them again until a doctor or optometrist considers it safe. Pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision or a white spot on the eye may indicate keratitis or a corneal ulcer and need prompt assessment. Do not use old drops or old lenses, and keep the lens and case if the doctor wants to examine them.
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Corneal injuryA corneal injury is often a scratch or graze on the clear surface of the eye. It can cause severe pain, watering, redness and light sensitivity. Most small injuries heal well, but contact lens use, dirt or metal in the eye, pus, worsening vision or increasing pain may indicate infection or deeper damage. Never use anaesthetic eye drops at home to suppress the pain.