Red and Painful Eye: Adult and Pediatric Differential Diagnosis and Management

Comprehensive overview of "red eye", a common ophthalmic complaint, emphasizing the differentiated diagnostic and management approaches required for adult and pediatric populations. It outlines the etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic challenges associated with red eye, ranging from benign conditions like conjunctivitis to sight-threatening emergencies such as acute angle-closure glaucoma or orbital cellulitis. The sources highlight the importance of systematic clinical evaluation, including detailed history taking, a thorough ocular examination (utilizing the VVEEPP mnemonic and specialized tools like the slit lamp), and appropriate ancillary tests (like fluorescein staining and imaging studies). Furthermore, the text addresses specific management principles like pain relief, the use of mydriatic agents, and antimicrobial strategies, always stressing the critical need for age-specific considerations and prompt ophthalmologic consultation for high-risk cases, particularly in pediatric patients where conditions like child abuse are also considered.