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Original poster

Eye problem - GP/Minor injuries or optician

21 replies

Japonicaflower · 19/07/2022 01:50

my eye has virtually closed up. It started to feel uncomfortable yesterday morning. It hurts to look at bright things, is streaming and generally making me feel crap. I’m assuming it’s going to be the same when I get up in the morning and am Unsure whether I should try and see the GP, which can prove tricky to get an appointment, and I’m assuming this shouldn’t be left, go to minor injuries or a and e or try and visit an optician. I have had laser eye surgery on the eye that’s a problem about 3 weeks ago for glaucoma and am not sure whether it’s to do with that or a separate issue. Which is the best route to go down?

OP posts:

ReeseWitherfork · 19/07/2022 01:54

The NHS website says A&E in your scenario: www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-injuries/

ReeseWitherfork · 19/07/2022 01:55

Oh and sending sympathy OP as that sounds awful.

Go to A&E now if it’s keeping you up, quieter time to go!

MissSmiley · 19/07/2022 01:57

Sounds like you need an eye A&E, there will be one in your nearest big hospital, I had an eye problem in January and saw my optician who sent me straight to the hospital with a letter and an urgent appointment, but you could probably just turn up

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SeemsSoUnfair · 19/07/2022 01:59

I would phone 111 now and see if they can advise, especially with recent surgery, they might get you an ooh appointment. If they are not available, or cant give quick answer then a+e tonight.

Did you get any after care info after your surgery telling you what to look out for/do?

Original poster

Japonicaflower · 19/07/2022 02:04

Thank you all for replying. Yes, I took the tablets I was supposed to and the drops for the right amount of time and went back for a follow up and that was fine, I have the final sign off appointment in 4 weeks. I have health insurance with work so could potentially try and get an appointment with the man who did the eye surgery but I have no idea whether I could get an appointment with him tomorrow or not. I’m not sure whether it’s my eye or the heat keeping me up. Will try 111 for advice and then if not a and e I guess. Thanks everyone.

OP posts:

IamTheSmall · 19/07/2022 02:28

Definitely A&E. I used to have a corneal abrasion that got infected several times. GPs don’t have the equipment to examine it properly. Some opticians can prescribe if they’ve done additional training, but as you’ve had recent surgery on it I’m almost certain they would direct you to the hospital.

Kedece2410 · 19/07/2022 03:13

I've always found my optician is the best option for quick treatment. I have an eye condition & have had a few problems in the past year or so. I went to the optician & they referred me to the hospital. They phoned, gave me a referral letter & I was seen by an eye specialist within a couple of hours.

I'd have sat for hours at OOH or A&E. If you can wait til morning I'd phone your optician

Nat6999 · 19/07/2022 03:55

Go to eye casualty, I had problems with my eyes & the GP messed me around for a month saying it was conjunctivitis. It didn't get better & I went to the opticians who when they looked at my eyes sent me straight to eye casualty, I was diagnosed with chronic dry eyes & had permanently damaged the surface of my eyes. I now have to use drops & gel in my eyes every day for the rest of my life, had I listened to my GP I could have ended up blind.

MissSmiley · 19/07/2022 05:27

Have you got any antihistamine? I have a friend who's eyes were dreadful yesterday from hayever, all closed up but it does sound related to your surgery, don't mess about delaying, get yourself to the hospital asap, eyes are so delicate

Wildernesstips · 19/07/2022 05:39

Have a look and see if your area has an acute community eye service. This is free in my area but there are appointments with opticians with specialist equipment. It took quite a bit of ringing around to get an appointment but did manage a same day one.

custardbear · 19/07/2022 05:43

Eye casualty if you have one near you. I'd go straight there if you've had eye surgery recently as they may need specialist equipment to see what's going on

lewlil1801 · 19/07/2022 05:51

Try the urgent eye care service here primaryeyecare.co.uk/find-a-practice/

Lots of participating opticians and we have found really useful. They can refer onwards if needed and also issue prescriptions (these need to be passed to GP for issue)

Matchingcollarandcuffs · 19/07/2022 05:56

I agree with trying 111 as they can get you into the best place quickly. Missy eye A&Es are not 24 guess (but even sure Moorfields is) and normal A&E won't touch you unless you are in imminent life threatening danger, whicH it sounds like you aren't . They'll just send you to the eye A&E.

Round here we have specialist emergency opticians who can prescribe, refer to eye A&E and generally do a lot more investigations than a GP can -and I suspect they wouldn't touch you sure to recent surgery.

HOWEVER, if it was private get in touch with the surgeon/their secretary pronto as they should see you

Original poster

Japonicaflower · 19/07/2022 06:39

Thanks everyone, I couldn’t do much in the night about it as my husband works shifts and I couldn’t leave the children. But I have woken up and it’s still just as crap and is sensitive to light and there is a dull pain behind my eye so I’m just putting plans in place to get it sorted. I did actually go private @Matchingcollarandcuffs and I have had a look and the hospital opens at 8, the consultant is working this afternoon according to the website so I will call them at 8 and see if they can see me this afternoon. I guess it can wait until then. I will get their advice hopefully in the next hour and a half.

OP posts:

Original poster

Japonicaflower · 19/07/2022 06:40

And the NhS eye casualty is only a five minute drive from my home as well so that is an option if the consultant can’t see me. Thanks everyone.

OP posts:

Peckhampalace · 19/07/2022 12:10

Optician told me recently that moorfields have a virtual A&E so that does first assessment then they give you an appointment if they want to see you. You do it through their website.
Might not be appropriate for OP but just sharing info.

underneaththeash · 19/07/2022 12:21

Hope you managed to get seen. Consultant is first port of call and then an Eye Casualty unit. Regular A&E as very last resort.
(I’m an optician)
You may have a late post-operative infection/inflammation.

AIBAnxious · 19/07/2022 13:12

Just to say I have found eye casualty good in the past. Much better than going via general a&e. Good luck.

SirVixofVixHall · 19/07/2022 13:15

Hope you have been seen and treated OP.

Original poster

Japonicaflower · 19/07/2022 20:34

Thanks for all the advice. The consultant was great and fitted me in this afternoon. Corneal abrasion and possible ulcer so back on Thursday to double check what’s going on. Antibiotics and ointments in the meantime. Thankfully it’s not quite as painful now, just red, swollen and streaming but definitely more comfortable thank 12 hours ago!

OP posts:

SirVixofVixHall · 20/07/2022 09:56

No wonder it has been so painful, I hope you recover quickly now.

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