Acute Red Eye in Optometrist's Office : survey study

Abstract

Purpose: Red eye or conjunctival hyperemia is one of the most common causes of visits to primary care physicians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and emergency rooms. Although most cases with conjunctival redness are benign and self-limiting, some may forebode vision threatening disorders or even act as an indicator of underlying systemic disease. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish the underlying causes of red eye. The purpose of this survey study was to increase optometrists’ knowledge and understanding in evaluating causes of acute red eye. Methods: The survey was carried out as an online questionnaire in cooperation with the Finnish Professionals of Optometry (Soa) trade union in March 2025. Questions were based on the theoretical background of the study and on the research questions. The aim was to map Finnish optometrists’ skills in evaluating different anterior eye findings related to acute red eye and ability to assess the cause of red eye by the findings. Another aim was to map Finnish optometrists’ ability to recognize different eye diseases that cause red eye. Results: The results showed that Finnish optometrists have best competence level in evaluating different dry eye related anterior eye findings and dry eye disease was the best identified eye disease. The results also showed that the more educated the person was, the better competence level she/he had. This came up in every section of the survey. Conclusions: This thesis revealed the current competence level of Finnish optometrists in evaluating different anterior eye findings and ability to assess the cause of acute red eye by the findings and ability to recognize different eye diseases related to acute red eye. The results can be utilized in planning education of optometrists related to acute red eye.

Keywords: acute red eye, ocular redness, eye redness, red eye