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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think you don’t go to A&E for eye pain?

153 replies

Lis1992 · 05/10/2023 23:02

A friend suggested I consider it, to make sure my vision is protected. But I’d never even consider it for eye pain, unless I had an acute injury. Basically had eye pain starting yesterday, and swelling of eyelid. It’s really red and it is quite swollen. Eye is sore every time I blink. But I’m not systemically unwell- normal appetite etc. a quick Google also mentioned get immediate medical attention for pain. But surely conjunctivitis, styes (don’t think it’s that as whole eyelid swollen- no lump or pimple) , all hurt? so why go to A&E? Or am I missing something!

OP posts:
sunflowerdaisyrose · 05/10/2023 23:14

I didn't consider A&E either when I had similar but I'd probably call 111 now I've seen all these replies. Mine was an internal stye and wasn't visible for around 3 days after pain started and then could see it when I pulled my eyelid down. I did see GO though.

fruitstick · 05/10/2023 23:15

Please don't go to GP with eye issues. They don't have the knowledge or equipment.

That's what opticians are for.

Original poster
Lis1992 · 05/10/2023 23:15

@Goreg No I’m not not slagging her at all!! I mean I was surprised and thought maybe I was wrong…..hence the thread. She’s an amazing friend that’s not the tone at all.

OP posts:
Canyoucheckonme · 05/10/2023 23:15

Depends on what it is and the severity. A couple of years ago I was being fobbed off by GP nurse and the opticians wouldn't see my in case it was conjunctivitis as it's contagious.

After much deliberation and a 111 online self assessment it told me to go to Urgent Care. Turns out I had iritis and needed various steroid drops to cure me. If I hadn't had gone I could have lost my sight in that eye.

Original poster
Lis1992 · 05/10/2023 23:16

Wow these replies are making me really think. This sounds stupid but. I don’t know what people mean by pain on eyelid or eye itself….. I just know the whole area hurts when I blink.

OP posts:
JamieJ93 · 05/10/2023 23:16

Another thing to consider is - celultis of the eye (probably not the case) but could progress if not treated properly.
Celultis of the eye can be quite serious.
(I'm only thinking of celultis of worse case scenario due to what you have listed)

Vintagecreamandcottagepie · 05/10/2023 23:17

If in doubt I would always go. Especially sight. Anyone advising gp- what if you're wrong?? What if it couldn't wait?

Aparecium · 05/10/2023 23:18

Specialist eye A&E. I went with a slightly swollen eyelid and pain every time I blinked. Turned out I had a tiny scrap of paper under my eyelid, and it was scratching my eyeball every time my eyes moved. Yes, it was urgent, and eye A&E said that it would have warranted a visit to general A&E if there hadn't been a specialist one because it could have cost me my eyesight had it scratched my cornea or had the scratches become infected.

Windmill34 · 05/10/2023 23:18

Optician sent me to eye hospital and mine was all red inside

The nurse there went mad when I said I’d drove myself there.
give me eye test and eye drops
you must go eye hospital

CountryStore · 05/10/2023 23:19

Could be periorbital cellulitis, which could progress to orbital cellulitis - a serious infection of the eye. You do need A&E to get it checked. Don't leave it until tomorrow!

Original poster
Lis1992 · 05/10/2023 23:20

@CountryStore do you think so? I presumed I would be unwell with temp etc if anything serious but from seeing all this I am a bit nervous! Im due in work tmro but I guess I’m better taking the day to get checked

OP posts:
Heath2330 · 05/10/2023 23:21

DN here and eyes are important and don't necessarily need acute illness to be something serious my advice would be ring 111 they will take you down a pathway assessment and advise the best service based on your condition

Original poster
Lis1992 · 05/10/2023 23:23

@Heath2330 Excuse my ignorance- what is DN? Also I’m in Ireland so don’t have that service but do have out of hours doctor to ring

OP posts:
nocoolnamesleft · 05/10/2023 23:24

Peri orbital cellulitis? That generally needs intravenous antibiotics. Hope it isn't.

CountryStore · 05/10/2023 23:25

You wouldn't necessarily feel unwell/fever etc. It needs to be checked by someone who knows what they're doing. Not worth the risk.

Original poster
Lis1992 · 05/10/2023 23:25

@nocoolnamesleft That came up on Google but I think that one is generally painless? Also I presume I’d have high temp etc

OP posts:
Original poster
Lis1992 · 05/10/2023 23:26

Sorry original post should have said the eyelid itself is red, inside eye is not red

OP posts:
NeighbourhoodWatchPotholeDivision · 05/10/2023 23:28

I've been to the GP with an eye issue before. He took one look at it, said, "we don't mess about with eyes", and picked up the phone to dial the emergency admissions number of the eye unit at the hospital.

nocoolnamesleft · 05/10/2023 23:29

Lis1992 · 05/10/2023 23:25

@nocoolnamesleft That came up on Google but I think that one is generally painless? Also I presume I’d have high temp etc

Don't tend to get a temperature until sick as a dog. Sight threatening before that point. Certainly seems painful for some people. But obviously we can't tell over the internet, so the best thing to do is for you to actually see a HCP in person.

Kleptronic · 05/10/2023 23:30

Nobody can diagnose over the internet. Don't fuck about with your eyes. If it's nowt, good. If it's something, you might save your sight.

AtrociousCircumstance · 05/10/2023 23:30

I wondered about cellulitis too. Saw a little
boy in A&E once with it, a very swollen eyelid. Didn’t seem in any pain.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 05/10/2023 23:32

Yes Go Don't gamble with your eyesight

Dibbydoos · 05/10/2023 23:33

See an optician they will give you the best advice and quickly.

My mate's vision went funny, she saw an optician, her retina had detached, she was in theatre the following day....

Good luck.

k1233 · 05/10/2023 23:34

Eyes go bad fast which is why people don't usually wait and see. Better to treat right away.

Mangofandangoo · 05/10/2023 23:36

If go to the optician and they would refer urgently. Cut out the middle man