Red Eye

Literally hundreds of conditions may be associated with a red eye. Only the most common causes will be presented here. The most likely conditions to produce a red eye include conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis (eyelid infection), allergic conjunctivitis, a conjunctival hemorrhage dry eye syndrome pterygium or pingueculum (growths on the eye), uveitis (iritis), and glaucoma.

Swollen Eyelid

A swollen eyelid is not a diagnosis but rather a sign of an underlying disorder. Two potentially serious causes of red, swollen eyelids are preseptal and orbital cellulitis.

Many swollen eyelids will be associated with blepharitis or a hordeolum (stye). If the swelling is localized to a "bump" on the lid, this may be indicative of a chalazion. Prolapse of orbital fat, commonly associated with aging, is usually found on the inside corner of the upper eyelid. Urticaria or angioedema are rare causes of red, swollen eyelids and are immune-mediated. A mass of the lacrimal gland (found in the outer corner of the upper lid) is also rare.