Date of last review: Due to be updated

Differential diagnosis

  • Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
  • Chemical trauma
  • Preseptal cellulitis
  • Orbital cellulitis

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

  • Cold compresses for symptomatic relief usually sufficient
  • For acute relief consider PoM topical antihistamine
    • PoM Olopatadine 1 drop twice daily (8 hourly interval) whilst symptomatic
      • Contraindicated in
        • breastfeeding/pregnancy
        • women of childbearing age not using contraception
        • Caution in dry eye/compromised ocular surface if prolonged use planned
  • If recurrent, consider prophylactic use of sodium cromoglicate 2% eye drops 4 times daily

Advice

  • Usually caused by air borne allergen(s)
  • Self-resolving within a few hours
  • Advise avoidance of allergen(s)
  • Discharge patient with offer to review if symptoms do not improve

Management Category

  • Normally no referral
  • If associated hay fever / asthma / eczema, discuss referral to GP or pharmacist for an oral antihistamine
  • Refer to ophthalmology if
    • Corneal epithelial defect
    • Corneal stromal infiltrate

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

  • Not normally referred