In what condition does a patient commonly describe symptoms of a red and irritated eye?

When a patient describes symptoms of a red and irritated eye, the condition most commonly associated with these symptoms is conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, often referred to as "pink eye," is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelids. This inflammation leads to redness, irritation, and discomfort, which patients typically experience as symptoms.

In contrast, conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataracts do not usually present with red and irritated eyes. Glaucoma often presents with symptoms such as eye pain, headache, and vision changes without the distinct redness seen in conjunctivitis. Retinal detachment typically involves sudden vision loss or changes in vision but doesn't cause redness or irritation of the eye. Cataracts primarily lead to cloudy vision and are not associated with irritation or redness of the eye. Therefore, when considering symptoms specifically relating to a red and irritated eye, conjunctivitis is the most accurate and relevant condition.