Ophthalmologic Emergencies: Assessment and Management

There are an estimated 2-3 million emergency department (ED) visits in the United States for eye complaints. Although most patients who present to the ED have nontraumatic eye complaints, many seek treatment for eye trauma, which is a leading cause of unilateral blindness and vison impairment. Given the prevalence of eye-related emergencies, it is imperative that emergency care providers understand how to recognize and treat eye complaints to prevent permanent vision loss and disability. This article covers basic eye anatomy and physiology, discusses a systematic approach to the eye examination, and presents the evidence-based treatment of selected, common nonemergent and emergent eye complaints. For each complaint, essential history questions, examination techniques, differentials, and emergency management have been presented.