Ocular Trauma

Question 1

What is hyphema?

Answer 1

A collection of blood in the space between the iris and cornea

Question 2

If a px had a dense cataract to the point where you couldn’t see the fundus what test could you conduct in order to gain some insight into the health of the retina?

Answer 2

Swinging light test - if pupil reflexs are normal it lets us know that for the most part the optic nerve and retina are healthy.

Question 3

What is a subtarsal foreign body?

Answer 3

A foreign body that has been trapped underneath the upper eyelid (in a place called the subtarsal groove).

Question 4

How do you remove a subtarsal foreign body?

Answer 4

Occular Anaesthetics + a needle

Question 5

What is problematic about a subtarsal foreign body and as a result what symptoms are experienced by the px?

Answer 5

The damage it causes the cornea as it scrapes across it when the px blinks.

As a result symptoms include:

Photophobia

Epiphora

Pain

Red eye

Question 6

When a (typically metal) fragment hits the cornea what happens?

Answer 6

It sticks to the cornea

Question 7

After having removed a metal fragment off the cornea what may occur?

Answer 7

A rust ring - metal rusts away and forms a rust mark on the cornea despite having been removed. This rust ring must also be removed as it causes a toxic reaction

[Can be seen in picture]

Question 8

How would you check for aqueous humour leaking out the eye?

Answer 8

Add 2% fluorescein to the eye and check for a stream leaking out.

Question 9

What may been seen in the choroid as a result of blunt trauma?

Answer 9

Choroidal Rupture

Question 10

What is commotio retinae?

Answer 10

A transulent grey opacification of the retina following trauma. [It is highlighted by the black outline in the picture]