Date of last review: Due to be updated

Differential diagnosis

  • Acute viral keratoconjunctivitis
  • Contact or toxic keratitis
  • Contact lens over wear
  • Dry eye
  • Foreign body

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

  • Ocular lubricants for symptomatic relief (drops for use during the day, unmedicated ointment for use at bedtime)
  • Antibiotic as prophylaxis against infection, if risk high
    • Ask if allergic to Chloramphenicol
    • If not, supply Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment 3 times daily for 5 days
    • If allergic to Chloramphenicol, or pregnant, supply Fusidic acid 1% liquid gel twice a day for 5 days
  • Cyclopentolate 1% 3 times daily until pain free
  • Oral analgesic for pain relief

Advice

  • Reassure patient that damage is transitory and pain will be gone within 24 to 48 hours
    • Mild photophobia and blurring may persist for a week or longer
  • Sunglasses to ease photophobia
  • Review following day (corneal epithelium should have largely healed)
  • Advise patient to return/seek further help if symptoms persist
  • Advise patient on future eye protection

Management Category

  • Management to resolution by Optometrist

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

  • Not normally required