Date of last review: Due to be updated

Differential diagnosis

  • Foreign body (corneal or sub-tarsal)
  • Allergic conjunctivitis
  • Idiopathic acute anterior uveitis

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

  • Topical local anaesthetic to aid examination
  • Topical lubricant (gel-based or ointment) for symptomatic relief

Advice

  • Symptoms will resolve with suture removal
  • In a graft, suture needs to be resolved urgently to prevent onset of rejection

Management Category

  • Urgent (within one week) referral
  • Same day referral if:
    • Evidence of infection / inflammation
    • Wound leak present
    • Corneal transplant suture

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

  • Removal of offending suture