Infection following superficial trauma/abrasion of skin
Possible management by Optometrist
Treatment
Do not syringe or probe
Co-manage with GP patients with associated pre-septal cellulitis but systemically well
POM Co-amoxiclav 500/125 mg every 8 hours for 7 days then review
If allergic to penicillin, then POM Erythromycin 500 mg 4 times a day for 5–7 days then review.
Advice
Hospital admission is required if patient is febrile and/or systemically unwell or if an abscess has developed (i.e. pointing on surface)
Management Category
Urgently refer (same day)
All children
Severe cases in adults
Refer within one week, milder cases not responsive to systemic antibiotic within 7 days
Chronic cases without inflammation
May respond to hot compresses/massage
Only require referral if recurrent episodes
Possible management by Ophthalmologist
Incision and drainage where appropriate
Systemic (including parenteral) antibiotics
Follow-up may include investigation and surgical intervention for nasolacrimal duct obstruction
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The Eyecare Guidelines area of the eyes.nhs.scot website (“Website”) is intended as a reference source for education and clinical decision support and is intended for use by ophthalmic healthcare professionals.
As such, the Eyecare Guidelines are not intended for use by the general public and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Members of the public should seek advice directly from their optometrist.
The Eyecare Guidelines were originally adapted from the College of Optometrists’ Clinical Management Guidelines (CMGs), to incorporate pragmatic experience gained from NHS Grampian’s Eye Health Network.
However, this content is currently under review. The most up-to-date versions of the College of Optometrists’ CMGs can be accessed
at https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines.
The information on the Eyecare Guidelines area of the Website provides guidance and related information for the differential diagnosis, possible management by optometrists (treatment and advice),
management category and possible management by ophthalmologists. Users should note that that the Eyecare Guidelines will not be suitable for every situation and is not intended to be a substitute for specialist expertise and clinical judgement.
Users should also note that the Eyecare Guidelines should not be adhered to in isolation and should be considered in conjunction with other national and locally available guidance/pathways..
Unless indicated otherwise on a specific guideline webpage, users should note that the Eyecare Guidelines have not been updated for several years and thus should be considered with caution.
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these links are provided for information only. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Eyecare Guidelines is made available on the basis of excluding all representations, warranties, conditions and other terms
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