What is the treatment for red eye following ocular stent (intraocular stent) placement?

From the Guidelines

For red eye treatment after an eye stent procedure, I recommend implementing a step-wise approach, starting with patient education and tear supplement/conservation or lubricants, as outlined in the consensus report by the Taiwan Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons 1. The treatment should begin with patient education, including protecting the eyes from contact with water, avoiding certain cosmetics, and implementing postoperative lid hygiene, as well as educating patients about Demodex infestation and its management 1.

• Key components of the treatment include:
  • Using preservative-free artificial tears (ATs) as the first line of treatment, with hyaluronic acid (HA)-containing or non-HA-containing ATs being preferred for patients with obvious lesions 1
  • Considering punctal plugs for patients with severe ocular surface damage and low tear meniscus height 1
  • Using lubricating ointments or gels to help soothe and protect the eye surface 1
  • Initiating anti-inflammatory drugs, such as topical cyclosporine or steroids, if dry eye disease (DED) cannot be managed using ATs alone 1
  • Considering eyelid warming therapy 2 months after surgery, depending on the clinical presentation 1
  • Reserving topical autologous serum for patients with autoimmune disease and refractory ocular surface damage 1 It is essential to follow the step-wise treatment approach, as outlined in the consensus report, to effectively manage red eye after an eye stent procedure and prevent potential complications, such as infection or worsening of dry eye disease 1.

From the Research

Red Eye Treatment Post Eye Stent

There are no specific studies provided that directly address red eye treatment post eye stent. However, the available studies provide general information on the diagnosis and management of red eye.

Causes of Red Eye

• Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of red eye, as stated in 2
• Other common causes include blepharitis, corneal abrasion, foreign body, subconjunctival hemorrhage, keratitis, iritis, glaucoma, chemical burn, and scleritis, as mentioned in 2
• Dryness, allergy, visual fatigue, contact lens overwear, and local infections can also cause conjunctival injection, as noted in 3

Diagnosis and Management

• A detailed patient history and careful eye examination are necessary to diagnose the cause of red eye, as stated in 2
• Treatment is based on the underlying etiology, as mentioned in 2
• Recognizing the need for emergent referral to an ophthalmologist is key in the primary care management of red eye, as noted in 2 and 3
• Severe ocular pain, significant photophobia, decreased vision, and history of ocular trauma are warning signs demanding immediate ophthalmological consultation, as stated in 3

Classification of Red Eye

• Red eye can be classified as sight-threatening or non-sight-threatening, as mentioned in 4
• Many patients presenting with painless red eye and normal vision usually recover well, while red eye associated with pain, photophobia, watering, and blurred vision is potentially sight-threatening and must be addressed urgently, as noted in 4

Role of Healthcare Practitioners

• Healthcare practitioners must be able to undertake a careful assessment of the patient and make an accurate diagnosis early, as stated in 4
• The nurse's role in the care and management of patients with red eye includes patient assessment, making an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion, as mentioned in 4