Immediate management following chemical injury is to wash out the eye with sterile saline. This should be done in A & E, minor injuries or in an optometrists. Severe injuries can occur with acid or alkali injuries. The damage tends to occur at the limbus. Refer severe chemical injuries urgently. They often require treatment with lubricants, antibiotics to prevent infection and steroid drops to reduce inflammation.
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.
