General


Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

No CPD Points

Contact lens wearers presenting with an acute red eye are common in optometric practice.  Being able to understand the common causes and make a differential diagnosis is essential to ensure that patients are managed safely and referred when required.

This filmed lecture by consultant ophthalmologist, Damian Lake, that initially took place as a webinar, will cover a wide range of conditions that may occur in contact lens wearers (soft and RGP) including microbial and Acanthamoeba keratitis, papillary conjunctivitis, abrasions and solution misuse.

It will discuss conditions such as allergic red eye and contact lens overwear and its consequences that can be managed in practice and those, such as infective conditions, that need urgent referral to the Hospital Eye Service or a specialised practitioner.

Last published: December 2023

    Unit 1 - Introduction (6:23)►

    Learning outcomes

    Learning outcomes

    Clinical Practice

    s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

    • Understand the different causes of acute red eye presenting in contact lens patients and so to be able to manage and refer the patient appropriately.

    s.7  Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals

    • Understand the investigation, differential diagnosis and treatment options for contact lens patients presenting with external eye conditions that can be managed in community practice.

    Professionalism

    s.10 Work collaboratively with colleagues in the interests of patients

    • Understand when the management of a patient with an acute red eye requires referring onto the Hospital Eye Service or to a specialised practitioner for appropriate treatment.

      Unit 1 - Introduction (6:23)►