Ocular trauma

Battlefield injuries involving the eye and its adnexa can rapidly incapacitate personnel and cause permanent severe vision loss. The importance of a careful eye examination in all cases of head or facial injuries is emphasized in this review of management of ocular trauma. The prompt diagnosis of ocular injuries, coupled with appropriate treatment in the field or evacuation for more advanced care, can limit the sight-threatening sequelae of ocular trauma. This article reviews the anatomy and examination of the eye, and describes the findings of the most common ocular injuries associated with warfare. The initial treatment of minor and major injuries caused by ocular trauma is described.