Common cause of redness in the eye without pain?

• A. Conjunctivitis
• B. Episcleritis
• C. Keratitis
• D. Uveitis

Answer: (B)

Painless redness points to episcleritis, an inflammation of the superficial vessels of the episclera just beneath the conjunctiva. The redness is often localized or patchy, and vision remains normal with only mild irritation or tearing. Because the inflammation is limited to the superficial vessels, there is typically little or no pain, no significant discharge, and no corneal involvement.

This contrasts with other common red-eye causes. Conjunctivitis usually presents with discharge (mucopurulent or purulent), itching, and a more diffuse conjunctival injection, often with some irritation but not typically severe pain. Keratitis involves the cornea and causes notable pain, photophobia, tearing, and reduced vision, sometimes with a corneal defect visible on examination. Uveitis presents with more pronounced pain, photophobia, decreased vision, and signs of intraocular inflammation such as a ciliary flush and cells or flare in the anterior chamber.

A practical cue is that a painless red eye with preserved vision strongly favors episcleritis, whereas pain with vision changes or discharge steers the clinician toward keratitis or uveitis, and discharge with itching toward conjunctivitis.