referral criteria from primary care - dry eyes
Last reviewed 01/2018
referral criteria for patients with dry eye syndrome
Consider referring patients to an optometrist before an ophthalmologist. An optometrist can assess people with dry eye syndrome and advice on treatment.
Referral to an ophthalmologist is recommended for patients with the following:
- moderate to severe eye pain or photophobia, marked redness in one eye, or
reduced visual acuity - same day referral
- uncontrolled symptoms despite appropriate treatment for about four weeks
- deterioration of visual acuity
- suspected corneal damage or ulcers
- diagnosis that requires specialist assessment
- presence of an underlying disease that requires specialist management e.g. - Sjögren's syndrome, eyelid deformities (1)
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