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Primary Care Liaison

Red eye or pink eye

  • SeeÌýresourcesÌýfor referral form, parent information and more.

    Recommended pre-referral assessment / treatment

    For children presenting with a red or pink eye, please do the following:

    1. Obtain a history concentrating on the possibility of ocular trauma, contact lens wear, time course of the redness and the presence of eye pain, itch and discharge.
    2. Carefully inspect the eyelids, everting to examine the undersurface.
    3. Stain with fluoroscein to check for corneal abrasions or ulcers.

    See the clinical practice guidelines forÌýThe Acute Red Eye.

    SeeÌý Acute Eye Injuries in ChildrenÌýorÌýPenetrating Eye Injury for more information.

    Initial findings and when to refer

    All the following presentations require anÌýimmediate referralÌýto ED:

    Please fax your referral to 03 9345 5034 (number alsoÌýon referral form), note URGENT REFERRAL and contact theÌýon-call ophthalmology registrar or fellow.

    1. Child complains of pain, photophobia, watery discharge (could denote the presence of a foreign body, corneal ulcer, herpetic ulcer, acute glaucoma).

    2. Dull, aching eye pain (could indicate iritis, scleritis, episcleritis).

    3. Subconjunctival haemorrhage (could denote trauma, vigorous coughing or vomiting).

    4. Focal conjunctival injection or iris injury (caused by trauma).

    5. Purulent discharge (could denote infective conjunctivitis).
      • Treat with eye toilet and topical chloramphencil.Ìý
      • IMMEDIATE REFERRAL if treatment is ineffective.
      • If neonate, after 3 days >3/52 old

    6. Child complains of itchiness, eyelid swelling and redness, watery discharge (could denote allergic conjunctivitis).
      • Treat with antihistamines (oral or topical) and artificial tears prn
      • IMMEDIATE REFERRAL if treatment is ineffective (~2 weeks of treatment).

    Contact information

    RCH Switchboardtelephone (03) 9345 5522

    For clinical advice ask for:

    • Ophthalmology registrar or consultant on-call
      • Department of Ophthalmology - clinical advice (or direct dial 03 9345 5630)
      • Emergency Department - for clinical advice after hours
    For outpatient bookings fax to 03 9345 5034 (number alsoÌýon referral form)
    • For urgent appointments also call 03 9345 6180

    Admission enquiries ask for:

    • General admission enquiries (or direct dial 03 9345 6172)
    • ED admission enquiries: (or direct dial 03 9345 6477)

    Resources

    References

    Paediatric Handbook (2009). Eye Conditions, Chapter 23 (pp357-368). James Elder and Peter Barnett. 8th Ed, Blackwell Publishing by the Staff of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Australia.

    Feedback

    Please give feedback on this guideline - kids.connect@rch.org.au / telephone: (03) 9345 4645 / fax (03) 9345 4650

    Last updated August 2011

    GuidelineÌýdeveloped by the RCH Department of Ophthalmology in consultation with a GP Review Group.ÌýMany thanksÌýto the GPs involved in the review.ÌýÌýFirst publishedÌýDec 2007.ÌýReviewed August 2009 and updated August 2011. Please readÌý Copyright and Disclaimer.