Ocular Trauma

Question 1

what are the Golden Rules for ocular trauma

Answer 1

1. history is key
2. always record visual acuity
3. dont forget fluorescein (shows epithelial loss)
4. handle the eye with care if worried about globe fracture
5. immediate irrigation of chemical injury
6. always x-ray orbits if suspecion of intraocular foreign body

Question 2

common causes of ocular trauma

Answer 2

work related
assault
accidents at home
sports injury

Question 3

common causes of eye injury

Answer 3

blunt trauma
penetrating trauma
burns

Question 4

what is hyphaema

Answer 4

blood in the anterior chamber

Question 5

symptoms of retinal detachment

Answer 5

floaters

flashing lights

Question 6

common causes of intra-ocular foreign body

Answer 6

fast moving particles eg, Hammer and chisel injuries

always x-ray orbits

Question 7

what is sympathetic oathalmia

Answer 7

when a penetrating injury to one eye triggers an autoimmune reaction in both eyes leading to inflammation and bilateral blindness

vvv rare

Question 8

what do alkali chemical burns do to the eye

Answer 8

have easy, rapid penetration

scarring to the conjunctiva and cornea

penetrates intra-ocular structures

Question 9

what do acid chemical burns do to the eye

Answer 9

coagulates proteins

little penetration

Question 10

treatment for chemical burns in eye

Answer 10

thorough irrigation - then assessment of chemical injury

take a quick history 
check toxboase 
check pH 
irrigate +++(min 2l saline or until pH normal) 
then asses at slit lamp

Question 11

what are some preventatives of ocular trauma

Answer 11

safe practises, up to date training for machinery
protective eye wear
clear rules
education