Evaluation of the injured eye

Ocular injury is responsible for 50% of eye emergencies and is a common cause or possible source of visual loss. It is a common and at times worrisome problem in an office practice because it may present as an insignificant injury when, in fact, a proper evaluation may reveal a more serious condition. For example, a "black eye" may need more than cold compresses. A very careful eye examination may reveal a small hyphema, a distorted iris, a small corneal laceration, an occult perforation, or intraocular bleeding secondary to a retinal tear. These findings would necessitate prompt referral to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation. It is, therefore, imperative that as thorough an evaluation as possible be done by proper history taking and meticulous comprehensive examination. More mistakes are made by not inquiring and looking than by not knowing.