Ocular trauma

Question 1

What symptoms occur due to a foreign body in the eye?

Answer 1

sudden onset irritation

photophobia

Question 2

What is a risk with chemical injury to the eye?

Answer 2

Clouding of the cornea

Question 3

What is the management for chemical injury to the eye?

Answer 3

Mainly:

Irrigate with several litres of saline

Check pH

Question 4

What is hyphaema?

Answer 4

blood in the anterior chamber

Question 5

What can cause hyphaema?

Answer 5

Blunt trauma

Question 6

What are the risks associated with hyphaema?

Answer 6

Blood cells block the angle causing glaucoma.

Question 7

What is the treatment of hyphaema?

Answer 7

Steroids

controversial among ophthalmologists is the use of dilating drop

Question 8

What are the potential adverse outcomes of blunt trauma to the eye?

Answer 8

1) hyphaema –> glaucoma
2) traumatic cataracts
3) rupture of zonules –> sublluxation/dislocation of lens
4) retinal tear –> detachment (requires urgent surgery)
5) retinal haemorrhage –> acute retinal necrosis/vitreous haemorrhage

Question 9

What is the most common fracture of the orbit and why?

Answer 9

Orbital floor fracture, as it is the weakest part

Question 10

What investigations are indicated with ocular trauma?

Answer 10

Visual acuity
Fundoscopy
Appropriate systemic Ix
Imaging