Ophthalmic trauma: First-line management in primary care

Eye trauma ranges from minor injuries to vision-threatening emergencies and contributes substantially to acute care resources in Australia. Although ocular trauma represents a small proportion of primary care consultations, its potential for permanent visual loss underscores the need for prompt recognition and management.

To provide general practitioners (GPs) with a practical, evidence-based guide for first-line assessment and management of common ophthalmic trauma, aligned with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) competencies and focused on safe triage, early intervention and recognition of red flags.

Key presentations include chemical injuries, corneal abrasions, foreign bodies and blunt trauma. Red flags requiring urgent referral include open globe injuries and orbital compartment syndrome. This article highlights essential assessment tips, irrigation techniques, fluorescein use, eyelid eversion and referral criteria.