American family physician
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The principal scuba diving medical problems of barotrauma, air embolism and decompression sickness have as their pathophysiologic basis the Ideal Gas Law and Boyle's Law. Hyperbaric chamber recompression therapy is the only definitive treatment of air embolism and decompression sickness. However, with a basic knowledge of diving medicine, the family physician can provide effective supportive care to the patient prior to initiation of hyperbaric therapy.
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Fluorescein staining is helpful in diagnosis. Many conjunctival foreign bodies can be removed by swab or irrigation, without anesthesia. Cycloplegics can prevent painful ciliary spasm. ⋯ Mydriatics or cycloplegics can precipitate glaucoma. Corneal abrasions are easily infected. Secondary iritis may follow deeply embedded foreign bodies.