REMEDY : BNSSG referral pathways & Joint Formulary


Home > Adults > Ophthalmology >

Episcleritis

Checked: 23-08-2020 by Vicky Ryan Next Review: 23-08-2021

Overview

This is a sectoral redness of the conjunctiva which can cause mild irritation. Vision should be unaffected and there should be no photophobia or discharge.

Please see diagnostic photographs

Who to refer

Episcleritis does not usually require referral. It is self-limiting

Red Flags

Please refer to the BEH Emergency Department if any of the following:

  • Worsening symptoms after 48 hours.
  • Significant Pain
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Worse Vision
  • Persistence over ten days despite treatment.

Before referral

It is a self-limiting condition usually resolving within 7-10days.

Cool Compress to a closed eye

Topical lubricants can be used for comfort

Short courses of oral NSAIDs can be given if not contraindicated.

Referral

Does not usually need referral - self limiting

Resources

These guidelines have been written by Rhys Harrison, consultant ophthalmologist at Bristol Eye Hospital, with thanks to the patients who have kindly given consent to use their photos.

For full ophthalmology guidelines see: Primary Care Ophthalmology Guidance Document



Efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and agreement of these guidelines, including any content uploaded, referred to or linked to from the system. However, BNSSG ICB cannot guarantee this. This guidance does not override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer, in accordance with the mental capacity act, and informed by the summary of product characteristics of any drugs they are considering. Practitioners are required to perform their duties in accordance with the law and their regulators and nothing in this guidance should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties.

Information provided through Remedy is continually updated so please be aware any printed copies may quickly become out of date.