Ocular injuries and the most common acute conditions in ophthalmology

Ocular traumas include a wide range of injuries from trivial conditions to extensive perforating injuries that can lead to visual function impairment of various ranges and even to the loss of the eye itself. In terms of first aid, not only an ophthalmologist but also a physician of any specialty can effectively intervene and minimize the consequences of these conditions. Open globe injuries represent prognostically the most severe conditions which have to be treated by an experienced ophthalmologist. Closed injuries are most commonly manifested as corneal erosions, foreign bodies on the surface of a globe or contusions of varying severity. These conditions do not always require urgent primary intervention by an ophthalmologist. The opposite is true for chemical traumas which are often caused by alkali. Urgent intervention consisting in eye lavage is crucial to minimize complications. Periocular tissue injuries can be divided into orbital skeletal fractures and soft tissue traumas of the orbit and eyelids. Acute conditions in ophthalmology also include inflammations of the eye and periocular tissue, of which endophthalmitis and retroseptal orbital cellulitis are the most prognostically serious. Acute retinal circulatory disorders include central retinal artery occlusion and acute ischemic optic neuropathy. Acute angle-closure crisis can be manifested as sudden severe pain of the globe, headache and blurred vision. The other most common causes of acute visual impairment are hemophtalmus and retinal detachment, the conditions which require specialized intervention of an ophthalmologist. Sudden conditions in ophthalmology require prompt diagnosis and early basic medical intervention which can be provided by a physician of any specialty and can significantly reduce subsequent complications. Ultimate treatment then belongs to the ophthalmologist.