A red eye may seem like a minor issue — often blamed on late nights, long screen time, or allergies. But when the redness comes with pain, blurred vision, or light sensitivity, it needs to be checked the same day. It could be a sign of an eye condition that needs prompt treatment.
The eye care (ophthalmology) department at Chetna Hospital sees many people with red, painful eyes. Getting the cause checked early helps protect your sight.
Common Causes of a Painful Red Eye
There are several possible causes of a red and painful eye. Some of the most common include:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):
This is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin layer covering the white of the eye). It can be bacterial, viral, or allergic. It usually makes the eye red, gritty, watery or sticky. Real pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision is not typical of simple conjunctivitis and needs an urgent check. - Uveitis:
An inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), uveitis can cause severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. It requires urgent treatment. - Corneal Ulcer:
Often due to infection, injury, or wearing contact lenses too long, a corneal ulcer is painful and can cause permanent vision loss if untreated. - Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma:
A medical emergency, this condition involves a sudden rise in eye pressure. It causes severe eye pain, headache, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision and sometimes rainbow halos around lights. It needs emergency treatment to protect your sight. - Foreign Body or Eye Injury:
A speck of dust or grit, or a chemical splash, can cause irritation and injury, with redness, watering and pain. For a chemical splash, rinse the eye with plenty of clean, cool running water for at least 15–20 minutes and get emergency help.
When to See an Eye Specialist
Not all red eyes are emergencies, but these signs mean you should see an eye doctor the same day:
- Persistent or severe eye pain
- Sudden redness with vision changes
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Discharge or excessive tearing
- Headache with eye pressure
- History of eye surgery, injury, or use of contact lenses
If you notice any of these, contact an eye doctor the same day. Go to the nearest emergency department straight away, or call 108 or 112, if you have sudden loss or change of vision, severe eye pain with headache or nausea, a chemical splash in the eye, or an eye injury or something stuck in the eye.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Eye conditions like uveitis or glaucoma can cause lasting damage to vision if they are not treated in time. Using eye drops without advice can hide the problem or make some conditions worse, so get the cause checked first.
At Chetna Hospital, our eye care team performs a comprehensive examination including:
- Intraocular pressure check
- Slit-lamp microscopy
- Corneal staining tests
- Retinal screening
- Visual acuity and visual field tests
Treatment is then planned according to the cause.
Eye Care in Pimpri-Chinchwad
The eye care (ophthalmology) department at Chetna Hospital, Chinchwad, checks and treats red and painful eyes, eye infections and inflammation. Call 91686 90442 to book a check-up.
Eye department: 91686 90442. Main hospital line: 9158681123.
Website – www.chetnahospital.co.in
Address – Chetna Hospital, Sambhajinagar, MIDC, G Block, Near Rotary Club, Chinchwad 411019
General health information, not a diagnosis. Reviewed and updated by Chetna Hospital’s content team with the help of AI writing tools, November 2026.
