Emergency medicine clinics of North America
-
Caring for patients with eye emergencies will always challenge even the most experienced emergency clinician. The threat of loss of sight is anxiety provoking for patients and requires the physician to act in an organized and expeditious manner. By avoiding these pitfalls and examining each patient in a systematic and comprehensive fashion, the physician can ensure the best possible outcome. The ensuing articles describe the approach to diagnosing and treating significant eye emergencies in greater detail.
-
Trauma to the globe is a common problem seen in the emergency department that may lead to significant permanent visual disability. Common causes of globe trauma include motor vehicle crashes, assaults, falls, and sports-related and occupational injuries. ⋯ This article summarizes the initial diagnostic and therapeutic approach, important prognostic indicators, and delayed complications of the traumatized globe. Accurate diagnosis and proper disposition are vital in salvaging visual capacity.