You have been treated for an Eye Injury/Condition. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.
Injuries, infections and conditions
Minor scratches or abrasions to the cornea are common. They usually heal in 24–48 hours. Some presentations may need a referral to an ophthalmologist:
Corneal abrasions: can sometimes cause temporary blurred vision. Most minor abrasions will not require antibiotics
Foreign bodies: can sometimes cause temporary blurred vision
Chemical eye injuries: require immediate treatment, usually in the form of an eye wash out. You may be referred to an ophthalmologist for review and/or treatment
Exposure to UV Light: from the sun or sunlamps
Antibiotics may be given in cases where a foreign body has been removed from the eye or an infection has been identified. If required, they are applied as an eye ointment or drops to the eye. Painkillers may be suggested if you experience any significant pain.
Eye examination information and advice
An orange stain may be used to examine an eye as any defects may not be visible unless viewed under a special blue light. A local anaesthetic may be used – if drops are used you are advised not to drive for 2–4 hours until the eye feels normal again. You are also advised not to use the fans in the car as this may dry your eyes.
Applying ointment or eye drops
- If you are prescribed ointment or drops, use on the affected eye only – even if the other eye displays the same symptoms
- Wash your hands before and after applying eye medication
- Look upwards when applying
- Hold the lower eyelid down and apply the ointment along the inside of the lower lid. For drops apply to the centre of the eye. It is sometime best to have someone apply the ointment or drops for you
Applying an eye pad (if required)
An eye patch to cover the eye is not normally advised following a corneal scratch or abrasion as this does not help the healing process nor does it reduce pain. However if an eye pad is required:
- One pad is folded and the straight edge is placed just below the eyebrow
- A second pad is placed diagonally over the first and is secured with tape
Other Considerations:
The pain can be quite bad even from a small scratch, as the cornea is extremely sensitive. The eye will water profusely and you may be unable to bear to open it at first.
Refrain from using contact lenses until the eye injury/condition has completely resolved. Lenses should be removed immediately if any irritation or pain is felt and medical advice should be sought immediately.
Most eye injuries or conditions should have improved significantly within 48 hours. If you have any increase in pain, disturbance in vision or increased sensitivity to the light it is important that you seek medical advice promptly.
How to seek further medical advice
If you have concerns that your, or your child’s, condition is worsening (or not improving in the way that would be expected) you should seek medical advice as follows:
- In normal opening hours please contact your own registered GP practice.
- Outside your GP’s opening hours you should phone 111 who will advise you what steps you need to take next.
- If you are unable to get advice from the above and you, or your child has urgent concerns you could re-attend the Urgent Treatment Centre you visited today. If this is not an option you could attend your nearest hospital Emergency Department (A&E).
If you have concerns that you or the patient you are caring for has a potentially life-threatening illness or injury you should call 999.
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