Ocular trauma. Triage and treatment

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Ocular trauma is a common reason for emergency department visits.
• Many eye injuries can be effectively managed in a primary care setting.
• Access to specialized equipment like a slit lamp can aid diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the primary care management of various ocular traumas.
• To highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• To inform primary care physicians about available treatment options.

Main Methods:

• Review of common ocular injuries and their primary care management.
• Description of diagnostic tools, including the slit lamp.
• Explanation of treatment protocols for specific conditions.

Main Results:

• Corneal abrasions: cycloplegic medication, antibiotic ointment, patch.
• Iritis: cycloplegics, topical corticosteroids (with awareness of side effects).
• Hyphemas: bed rest, atropine sulfate, corticosteroids, rebleeding prevention.
• Foreign bodies: facilitated removal with slit lamp, topical anesthesia, foreign-body spud.
• Chemical burns: irrigation to normalize pH, then treated as corneal abrasion.
• Lid lacerations: repair prioritizing lid function.
• Globe ruptures: serious injuries requiring surgical repair and follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Primary care offices can effectively diagnose and treat many ocular traumas.
• Appropriate use of medications and tools is essential for successful outcomes.
• Severe injuries like globe ruptures necessitate specialized surgical intervention.