Blunt ocular trauma

Blunt trauma to the eye occurs frequently, and the aftereffects may be devastating. Traumatic injuries range from simple ecchymosis of the eyelid and subconjunctival hemorrhage to more serious lesions, including hyphema, choroidal or retinal rupture, optic nerve contusion and rupture of the globe. The diagnosis and management of this type of injury is not difficult if approached in an organized way. The family physician can treat most cases and should recognize those that require further consultation.