If you have a problem with your eyes, visit your pharmacist. They will be able to tell you if you can treat it yourself and might be able to suggest cleaning solutions, eye drops or medicine to help. They will also be able to advise when you need to see your GP or optician.
If it is for a child under the age of two years old, see your GP instead of a pharmacist.
The NHS provide useful information for treating eye conditions – visit:
Opticians
Opticians have the specialist equipment required to examine your eye closely. If you have eye problems, it might be useful to contact your optician to see if they can help. Some services are available under the NHS and others you have to pay for. Your optician will advise at the time of booking.
Some of the conditions your optician might be able to help with include:
- Sudden onset of blurred or double vision
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Red eye or eyelids
- Lumps and bumps in the vicinity of the eye
- Ingrowing eyelashes
- Watery eyes
- Dry/gritty/uncomfortable/itchy eyes
When to see your GP
If you have loss of vision, a painful red eye or you feel generally unwell alongside your eye problem (e.g. vomiting or fever), see your GP.
Injuries to the eye
If you have an injury to the eye e.g. chemical, penetrating injuries or post-op infections, go to A&E.
Referrals to Opthalmology
Your GP might refer you to the hospital Opthalmology department for these conditions:
- Severe eye pain
- Long-term conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy or if you are already under the Eye Clinic at the Hospital
- Long-standing adult squint
- Long-standing double vision
- Sudden persistent loss of vision – complete or partial
- Other eye problems