Ocular emergencies

Abstract

Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment of ocular emergencies are essential in the primary care setting when the outcome may depend on timely management. All ocular emergencies, including a penetrating globe injury, retinal detachment, central retinal artery occlusion, acute angle-closure glaucoma, and chemical burns, should be referred immediately to the emergency department or an ophthalmologist. Careful eye examination and simple tests can help primary care physicians make decisions about appropriate treatment and referral. All patients with eye problems should be tested for visual acuity and ocular movements. Confrontation visual field examination, pupillary examination, and direct ophthalmoscopy of both eyes also should be performed. Ocular injury from high-velocity trauma or from chemicals may be easily misdiagnosed. After a chemical burn, thorough eye washing for at least 30 minutes or until the pH of the eye is within physiologic range is critical to prevent further damage. Use of an eye shield is required in patients with a ruptured globe to protect the injured eye and preserve the patient's vision.