Conjunctival Hyperemia

Generality

Conjunctival hyperaemia is a frequent disorder characterized by redness of one or both eyes.

This condition is often a sign of inflammation, but it can recognize various causes. Conjunctival hyperemia can derive, in fact, from various pathologies affecting the eye and ocular adnexa, such as infections, allergies, trauma, high intraocular pressure, penetration of foreign bodies, misuse of contact lenses or exposure to irritants (eg cigarette smoke, dust, smog, ammonia and chlorine).
In some cases, "redness of the eye" may represent the only appreciable alteration; other times, conjunctival hyperaemia is accompanied by a rather varied symptomatology ranging from blurred vision to increased tearing, from photophobia (sensitivity to light) to foreign body sensation. When the redness is persistent or occurs recurrently, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist.
The simultaneous presence or absence of pain represents the element that most guides the physician in the choice of diagnostic investigations and of the various therapeutic strategies.