title: Ophthalmic trauma in accident and emergency.
abstract: Many nurses and doctors have little ophthalmic experience and this leads, inevitably, to a lack of confidence when presented with patients with ophthalmic problems. Six per cent of all trauma presenting to the Accident & Emergency (A & E) department is ophthalmic and this, combined with a knowledge gap, can lead to potential management problems for a high number of patients. Most presenting ophthalmic trauma is minor in ophthalmic terms, if not to the patient, but the early identification of more serious problems is essential in order that vision is not permanently damaged. This article addresses some of the more common, minor injures which are seen in the A & E department and considers their presentation and treatment. The assessment and recording of visual acuity is addressed in detail as the main indicator of visual function and an essential component of any eye examination. The use of eyepads in the treatment of eye injury is also considered, as are issues surrounding the use of eyedrops. The article concludes with the suggestion that ophthalmic units be approached for advice about ophthalmic problems in order to further enhance the knowledge of A & E staff.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marsden
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions