Ocular trauma: emergency care and management

The emergency care and management of patients with ocular trauma can often be handled completely by the family physician, whose goal should be recognizing the nature and circumstance of the injury and subsequent decision making based on the initial management steps. Obtaining a careful and thorough patient history is vital, as unsuspected trauma may be looked for based on historical clues. The initial examination is similarly crucial for determining the extent of the injury and for formulating the treatment plan. Very often, early and effective first-aid care can prevent future complications, which could otherwise lead to subsequent deterioration of the eye.