What Should I Do for an Eye Infection? 

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

If you have any of the following symptoms, then a visit to the pharmacy should be the first port of call:

• Irritation of the eye
• Itching in or around the eye
• A sensation of grittiness in the eye
• Watering or sticky discharge from the eye (particularly first thing in the morning)
• Blurred vision due to the discharge that clears with blinking

Why Visit the Pharmacy First?

By knowing when it is appropriate to visit your local pharmacy first, you can ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate level of care by a suitable healthcare professional at the right time. By choosing to visit the pharmacist first, you will get the clinical advice and support you need on the same day and only be signposted to your GP if needed.

If the pharmacist believes that you may have an eye infection, you will be given either eye drops or an ointment called Chloramphenicol. This is suitable to buy over the counter for any adults and children aged two years and over, following a quick discussion with the pharmacist. If you are given a supply of either of these then remember to:

• Make sure you are able to use eye drops correctly (if you aren’t sure how to use them, then read our blog here)
• Wash your hands thoroughly and avoid sharing towels with others as eye infections are highly contagious
• Keep using your eye drops or ointment for the FULL FIVE days, even if your symptoms improve.
• Use other methods to soothe the eye alongside the medicine. For instance, a cold compress may soothe the eye.
• Store the eye drops in a refrigerator and discard the remainder of the drops after 5 days of use. Do not share eye drops with anyone else as you might experience further infection.
• Not drive or operate machinery if you experience blurred vision following administration with eye drops or ointment. Wait until this has cleared before driving.
• CONSULT with your GP if you have no signs of improvement after 48 hours or symptoms worsen.

The pharmacist may need to refer you to the GP if fall under any of the following groups of patients:

• Children under two years old
• Contact lens wearers
• Previous history with eye conditions (including glaucoma, dry eyes, eye injury, eye surgery, etc)

Information is correct at the time of writing.