• Reference Number: HEY1011/2025
• Departments: Emergency Department
• Last Updated: 25 November 2025

Introduction

This advice sheet has been produced to give you information about eye injuries or infections.  It is not meant to replace discussion between you and your doctor. If after reading it and you require further explanation, please discuss this with the relevant person who has been caring for you.

You will have been examined by a practitioner and have been given information about your eye injury or infection. Following the examination, another appointment may have been made for you so that the practitioner can perform further assessments, review your treatment or to check that your condition is improving. An appointment may alternatively be made for you to attend the Eye Clinic.

An appointment has been made for you to attend the Eye Clinic (located in the Eye Hospital at Hull Royal Infirmary) on _____________________ at __________________

Occasionally when you attend the Eye Clinic, the clinician carrying out your eye assessment may use eye drops which can affect vision for a short while. It is advisable to get a friend or relative to bring you or arrange transport to and from the appointment.

What to expect with your eye injury / infection

• The eye will be very sensitive; however, your symptoms should settle within 3 to 5 days
• You should return to the Emergency Department if symptoms worsen or continue for longer than the time stated
• You are advised not to drive if your vision is affected
• You may be given ointment or drops to administer into the affected eye(s)

Symptoms and pain may be relieved by:

• Resting your eyes by sitting in a dark room or trying to sleep
• Using an eye patch. This may be of benefit at initial onset
• Using the eye drops or ointment as advised as they will help
• Wearing dark glasses if you find that bright light aggravates your eyes.

How to use your ointment / eye drops

These should be instilled into the affected left and / or right eye(s) _________________Times daily, For _____________ days

• First wash your both hands
• Tilt your head backwards
• With your finger gently pull-down lower lid
• Apply a small amount of ointment or one drop into the space between your eye and lower lid
• Try not to touch the eye or lid with the tube / bottle
• Close your eye then blink several times
• Your vision may be affected for a few minutes, do not drive or operative machinery until your vision has returned to normal
• If you have any ointment / drops left following treatment they should be discarded after 4 weeks.

Pain Relief Medication

To manage your pain, we advise that you regularly take simple pain relief that are readily accessible at your local pharmacy or store. If you have allergies or conditions which prevent the use of pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication, please seek advice from your GP or a pharmacist.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this advice sheet, please do not hesitate to contact the Emergency Department.