Ciliary flush is a ring of red or violet spreading outlet from around the cornea of the eye.
Ciliary flush is a red or violet ring of blood vessels concentrated tightly around the cornea, indicating serious deep-eye inflammation rather than simple surface conjunctivitis.
It is usually present in eyes with corneal inflammation, iridocyclitis or acute glaucoma and is noticeable by the dilated blood vessels in the eye giving the appearance of bloodshot eyes.
Ring Pattern: Redness forms a tight, circular halo immediately surrounding the corneal limbus, where the white sclera meets the colored iris.
Color Hue: Deep red or faint violet hue caused by the dilation of deeper conjunctival and episcleral vessels.
Distinction: Unlike standard pink eye (conjunctivitis) where redness is diffuse and fades toward the center, ciliary flush is most intense at the edge of the cornea.
Common Causes
Anterior Uveitis / Iritis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, often accompanied by deep aching pain and light sensitivity.
Corneal Ulcer or Keratitis: Infection or severe inflammation affecting the clear outer layer of the eye.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A dangerous, sudden spike in eye pressure requiring emergency intervention.
Ciliary flush is a medical warning sign that differentiates urgent conditions from benign red eyes.
It frequently accompanies symptoms like sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, constricted pupils, or deep eye pain.