Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit
You have been given this information because you have been diagnosed with an eye condition. Infection and minor scratches or abrasions to the eye are a common cause of pain and redness. Less commonly some people suffer from inflammation of the eye.
Common symptoms
- Difficulty opening the eye in light conditions
- Painful eye with the sensation of something still present on the eye
- Watering profusely
- Blurred vision
Treating of an eye condition
You may have been provided with an eye ointment or drops to use. These should be placed into the bottom eyelid whilst looking upwards. Ensure you have washed your hands prior to using them.
Drops
You should place 1 drop at a time and close your eyes after each.Ointment
A small strip of paste can be placed from one side of the lower eyelid to the other.
- If you wear contact lenses you should avoid these until your symptoms have improved.
- If an infection has caused your eye condition, you should avoid sharing towels and face cloths with other people until it has resolved.
Recovering from an eye condition
Most minor abrasions will improve over the following 2 days. However some patients may be given an appointment to attend the Eye Casualty Clinic for follow-up.
If you have not been given a follow-up appointment and you have persistent or worsening symptoms, then you should attend the Eye Casualty Clinic. This is open Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm, and 8am to 12 noon at weekends. Outside of these times you should attend the Emergency Department.
You should seek medical attention if any of the following occur:
- Sudden deterioration in vision
- Unable to open your eye to light
- Headache or vomiting
Treating pain
If needed, pain medication options include the following:
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and may also limit inflammation and swelling. You can buy some types (for example, ibuprofen) at pharmacies, without a prescription either topically as a cream, or as tablets. You should check the medication advice leaflet to ensure you are safe to take these as some patients with asthma or stomach ulcers may not be able to.
Further information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
Contact details
- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact [email protected]
This email will be monitored 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: s[email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]