• Reference Number: HEY1011/2018
• Departments: Emergency Department
• Last Updated: 31 August 2018

Introduction

This advice sheet has been produced to give you information about eye injuries or infections. It is not meant to replace discussion between you and your doctor.  If after reading it, you require further explanation please discuss this with the relevant person who has been caring for you.

You will have been examined by a practitioner and have been given information about your eye injury or infection. Following the examination another appointment may have been made for you so that the practitioner can carry out a further assessment, review your treatment or to check that your condition is improving.  An appointment may alternatively be made for you to attend the Eye Clinic.

An appointment has been made for you to attend the Eye Clinic (located in the Eye Hospital at Hull Royal Infirmary) on _____________________ at __________________

Occasionally when you attend the Eye Clinic, it is necessary to use drops that can affect vision for a short while. It is advisable to get someone to bring you or arrange transport to and from the appointment.

What to expect with your eye injury / infection

• The eye is very sensitive, your symptoms should settle within 3 – 5 days
• You should return to the Emergency Department if your symptoms increase or continue for longer than the time stated
• You are advised not to drive if your vision is affected
• You may be given ointment or drops to inert into the affected eye(s)

Symptoms and pain may be relieved by:

• Resting your eyes by sitting in a dark room or trying to sleep
• An eye patch may be of benefit at first
• Use the eye drops or ointment as advised, they will help
• If light is causing problems dark glasses may help

How to use your ointment / eye drops

These should be instilled into the affected left and / or right eye(s) _________________Times daily, For _____________ days 

• First wash your hands
• Tilt your head backwards
• With your finger gently pull down lower lid
• Apply a small amount of ointment or one drop into the space between your eye and lower lid
• Try not to touch the eye or lid with the tube / bottle
• Close your eye then blink several times
• Your vision may be affected for a few minutes, do not drive or operative machinery until your vision has returned to normal
• If you have any ointment / drops left following treatment they should be discarded after 4 weeks.

Pain relief medication

To manage your pain, we advise that you regularly take simple pain relief which can be bought over the counter. If you have allergies or conditions which prevent the use of pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication, please seek advice from your GP or a pharmacist.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this advice sheet, please do not hesitate to contact the Emergency Department.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and well-being and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.