’Red eye’ is a common presenting complaint in patients. Studies in the 1980s suggested between 0.9-1.5 per cent of GP consultations were due to red eye.1 Chloramphenicol eye drops have since become available over the counter, but red eye still places a demand on NHS services.

This is not only due to discomfort from the symptoms, but a proportion of patients fear they may lose their sight. A 2016 study reported around 10 per cent of people attending an out-of-hours service at a London hospital emergency department for an ophthalmic reason were diagnosed with infective conjunctivitis. Eye trauma/injury accounted for 22 per cent of the attendances and contact lens problems for 6 per cent.²

The study was looking at patients’ perceptions about symptom severity and anxiety and depression prevalence. “Worry about sight impairment and pain were the most common concerns for attendance, the researchers found. Atotal of 91% of patients believed their conditions were emergencies that require medical review within 24 hours.