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Conjunctivitis - allergic - Management
How do I manage a person with giant papillary conjunctivitis?
- Before treating a person with a red eye for giant papillary conjunctivitis, you must exclude the serious causes of a red eye that can result in permanent visual impairment. For further information, see Diagnosing allergic conjunctivitis.
- Advise people with giant papillary conjunctivitis to:
- Avoid rubbing their eyes.
- Place cool compresses on the affected eyes to ease symptoms.
- Remove contact lenses, if these are worn, and see an optician for further management.
- Refer people with giant papillary conjunctivitis following eye surgery to an ophthalmologist.
Clarification / Additional information
- The symptoms of conjunctival injection and mucoid discharge resolve quickly after contact lens use is discontinued, but papillae persist for some time [Suchecki et al, 2003].
- Management of giant papillary conjunctivitis by an optician includes:
- Changing the type of contact lens.
- Advising about hygiene measures.
- Reviewing and assessing the need for a mast cell stabilizer to prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Basis for recommendation
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