ABSTRACT
Introduction Red eye is the most common disorder of the eye for which medical advice is sought. Conjunctivitis is the main entity encountered, and can be caused by infection, allergy, or chemical irritation. Infectious conjunctivitis can affect all age groups and resolution occurs in most cases following the application of topical antibiotics. Infection can occur in other parts of the eye, including the cornea, and the anterior and posterior chambers. Structures such as the orbit and cavernous sinuses can also be involved, and because of the proximity of these structures to the brain, life-threatening illness can occur. Any infection of the eye or its associated structures in the setting of pain and vision loss must be considered an emergency and the ophthalmologist needs to be consulted promptly. Infections of the eyelids, lacrymal glands, and nasolacrymal duct are also considered here. The gross anatomy of the eye and its adjacent structures are shown in 207.
