GGC Paediatric Guidelines
Assessment pathway for sticky or red eye presentations:
How to Contact Ophthalmology in RHC
Eye Care in PICU
Warning
What's new / Latest updates
26/08/2025 We have updated our guidance for eye care in PICU to remain in line with the latest guidance from the Royal college of Ophthalmologists.
Objectives
- To protect the eye in unconscious and ventilated patients within PICU
- Identify ocular disease and those requiring referral
- Management of minor eye disease
Scope
This guideline is intended for healthcare professionals caring for patients within the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.
Whilst ocular conditions may alter between different ages, this basic ocular management guidance applies for all children from neonates to teenagers. There are some important age related considerations at the end of the guideline
Audience
Medical, nursing and allied professionals caring for patients in PICU.
Patient nursed supine
Assess and document eyelid position:
For all patients nursed prone, manage as grade 2
Management of Grade 0
- No action required
- Reassess once every 12 hours and document
Management of Grade 1
Assess eyes:
If red or sticky eyes – urgent PICU medical review
If clear – see below
- One application of ointment every 4 hours to each eye
- Wipe off ointment from previous application with 0.9% NaCl prior to the next application
- Reassess once every 12 hours and document
Management of Grade 2
Assess eyes:
If red or sticky eyes – urgent PICU medical review
If clear – see below
- One application of ointment every 4 hours followed by…
- Eyelid taping- see method below
- Wipe off ointment from previous application with 0.9% NaCl prior to the next application
Options available for ointments:
