Treatment of common eye emergencies

Some ocular conditions represent serious emergencies requiring immediate treatment. Chemical exposure requires prompt irrigation with saline. Major trauma with possible globe perforation requires eye shielding and referral for surgical evaluation. Sudden loss of vision may represent vascular occlusion and should be evaluated promptly by an ophthalmologist. Angle closure glaucoma is rare; drug treatment may be instituted in consultation with an ophthalmologist. Patients with orbital cellulitis should be hospitalized for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Less urgent eye conditions can be treated within 24 hours of onset. Minor trauma with hyphema requires cycloplegic medications, eye shielding and ophthalmologic consultation. Visual floaters, light flashes or "curtains" may represent vitreous or retinal detachment and should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Foreign bodies can usually be removed by irrigation or careful instrumentation.