Ocular Emergency Guide

Question 1

Emergent, Urgent, or Routine………..
Sudden, painless, severe loss of vision

Answer 1

Emergent

Question 2

Emergent, Urgent, or Routine…….
Subacute loss of vision (over days or weeks)

Answer 2

Urgent

Question 3

Emergent, Urgent, or Routine………..
Difficulty with near or distance vision

Answer 3

Routine

Question 4

What is the response for Emergent symptoms?

Answer 4

Requires immediate action, office or ER, Notify Physician Immediately

Question 5

What is appropriate response for Urgent symptoms?

Answer 5

See patient within 24 hours. Consult with physician if in doubt.

Question 6

What is appropriate response for Routine symptoms?

Answer 6

Next available appt. Tell pt to call back if symptoms worsen before appt.

Question 7

Triage: Loss of vision after sx

Answer 7

Emergent

Question 8

Triage: Vision change or worse pain after sx or procedure

Answer 8

Emergent

Question 9

*Triage: Acute, rapid onset of eye pain

Answer 9

Emergent

Question 10

Triage: Progressive worsening of eye pain

Answer 10

Emergent

Question 11

Triage: Recent onset of floaters or flashes of light in patients with myopia (ask about hx of refractive sx), recent sx or with shadow in vision.

Answer 11

Emergent

Question 12

Triage: Worsening redness or discharge after sx or procedure

Answer 12

Emergent

Question 13

Triage: Redness or discharge in contact lens wearer

Answer 13

Emergent

Question 14

*Triage: Chemical burns

Answer 14

Emergent

Question 15

*What should you instruct pt to do when they call in with chemical in the eye?

Answer 15

Instruct to immediately irrigate affected eye(s) x 20 minutes with water

Question 16

Triage: Foreign body or corneal abrasion caused by FB

Answer 16

Emergent

Question 17

Triage: Trauma to globe if penetration is likely.

Answer 17

Emergent

Question 18

Triage: Trauma associated with vision loss or persistent pain

Answer 18

Emergent

Question 19

Triage: Severe blunt trauma

Answer 19

Emergent

Question 20

Triage: Emergency referral from another physician

Answer 20

Emergent

Question 21

*Triage: Sudden onset of diplopia or distorted vision.

Answer 21

Urgent

Question 22

Triage: Double vision that has persisted for less than 1 week

Answer 22

Urgent

Question 23

*Triage: Mild eye pain if accomplished by redness or decreased VA

Answer 23

Urgent

Question 24

Triage: Loss or breakage of glasses when required for work, driving, or studies

Answer 24

Urgent

Question 25

Triage: Recent onset of flashes or floaters (if not accompanied by risks listed in emergent category)

Answer 25

Urgent

Question 26

Triage: Acute red eye

Answer 26

Urgent

Question 27

Triage: Discharge or tearing causing eyes to stick together

Answer 27

Urgent

Question 28

Triage: Light Sensitivity accompanied by redness or decreased VA

Answer 28

Urgent

Question 29

Triage: Blunt trauma NOT associated with persistent pain or vision loss AND not likely to have penetrated/disrupted globe

Answer 29

Urgent

Question 30

Triage: Difficulty with near or distance vision

Answer 30

Routine

Question 31

Triage: Discomfort after prolonged use of eyes

Answer 31

Routine

Question 32

Triage: Persistent, unchanged floaters when cause was previously determined

Answer 32

Routine

Question 33

Triage: Mucous discharge which does NOT cause eyes to stick together

Answer 33

Routine

Question 34

Triage: Light sensitivity without other symptoms

Answer 34

Routine

Question 35

Triage: Mild ocular itching, burning, irritation

Answer 35

Routine