Patients can develop drop allergies especially with glaucoma drops and maxitrol ointment. Many drops contain preservatives and the commonest preservative is benzalconium. Some drops can sting on instilling them especially post-operatively e.g. maxidex however if the eye is continuously red and irritated and worse following drops you may suspect a drop allergy. If so please refer for confirmation and to allow discussions regarding alternatives. Corneal patients and those with corneal grafts may be prescribed preservative free drops long term in order to maintain a healthy cornea. It is important to be sure about allergies to preservatives as it does limit the number of drops, especially glaucoma drops, which are available for use. Preservative free drops are also much more expensive. Lacrilube can also cause an allergy in some patients due to the lanolin it contains. There are many lubricants available to try as an alternative. Talk to your local optometrist or pharmacist for advice.
Who to refer:
Please see Lothian GP and optometry ophthalmology referral pathway.
Urgency of the condition for details on how soon patients should receive an appointment.
How to refer:
We require a referral letter for EVERY patient.
The preferred referral process is via SCI Gateway. If sending/forwarding a referral via SCI gateway please include past medical history, allergies and medications
If you do not have access to fax or SCI Gateway e.g. if you have arranged an appointment out of hours please send a written referral letter with the patient to bring to their appointment.
Only if SCI Gateway is unavailable should a letter be typed or handwritten. Please write legibly and include your examination findings.
If you have arranged an appointment in the acute referral clinic and you are referring from within another hospital in Lothian please use TRAK to type the referral letter.
