Eye injuries: Understanding ocular trauma

Ocular trauma may result in pathology of the ocular surface and adnexa, extraocular muscles, orbital walls, eye and optic nerve. Detailed history followed by a complete ocular and, if indicated, radiological examination is therefore a crucial part of any trauma assessment. It is important to determine whether a patient with ocular trauma can be reassured or requires immediate referral for further investigation and surgical repair.

This review examines chemical eye injuries, orbital fractures, superficial corneal foreign bodies, closed globe injury and suspected open globe injury with or without intra-ocular foreign bodies. A structured approach to the history and examination is provided. The aim of this article is to enhance clinician confidence when encountering these patients.

Ocular trauma can lead to serious sight‑ and eye-threatening consequences. Accurate history-taking and astute observation are paramount for timely treatment or referral that may prevent blindness. This review discusses the management and referral pathways for common presentations of ocular trauma.