Eyelid Disorders

This condition is treated in the Ophthalmology (Eye) clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

The following conditions are not routinely seen at the Royal Hobart Hospital Eye Clinic and may be appropriately managed by the general practitioner, local ophthalmologist or optometrist:

• Chalazion: trial of 3 months of conservative treatment (gentle heat and massage) prior to referral
• Chronic, non-severe blepharitis with no corneal or structural lid changes.
• Excessive upper eye lid skin not obscuring the line of sight

All referrals should comply to the Standard Referral guidelines and include in particular:

• Lid lesion: description including size, colour, stability, effect on vision and diagnosis if known
• Ectropian/entropian: associated ocular signs and symptoms such as pain, epiphora
• Excessive upper eye lid skin: obscuring the line of sight
• Ptosis: Unilateral or bilateral. Does it obscure the line of sight?
• Blepharitis: severe with corneal or structural lid changes
• Blepharospasm: Intermittent or constant. Bilateral or unilateral. Duration.

Tests

• Blepharitis: Referral if severe with corneal or structural lid changes.
• Optometrist or ophthalmologist report required if referral not urgent.

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Ophthalmology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Chalazion: Trial of three months of conservative treatment (gentle heat and massage) prior to referral.

Ocular surface exposure or dry eye: Commence ocular lubricants.

Blepharitis: Commence lid care and lubricants. Consider course of oral doxycycline if unresponsive. Referral if severe with corneal or structural lid changes. Optometrist or ophthalmologist report required if referral not urgent.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

? Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

Emergency - ring on call Ophthalmic Registrar to discuss.

? Sudden onset ptosis

? Sudden inability to close eyelids/facial nerve palsy

? Corneal ulceration associated with lid malpositions

? Preseptal cellulitis

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

? Lid lesions if increasing in size or changing colour

? Corneal changes and/or ocular pain associated with lid malpositions

? Ptosis in a child

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review and the referral must be faxed.

We will endeavour to see these patients within ten days, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Availability

North

THS Northern Region does not offer a public eye  clinic. See Health Pathways for more information

North West

Unavailable.

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 11)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9454