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CHAPTER 114 ■ OCULAR TRAUMA
KENNETH A. MICHELSON, ANKOOR S. SHAH

GOALS OF EMERGENCY CARE
The clinical evaluation of children with eye trauma should focus on the prompt
recognition of the most severe eye injuries without causing additional damage to
the eye, and the initiation of timely ophthalmology consultation. The most
important goal is to mobilize quickly any necessary resources needed to preserve
vision ( Table 114.1 ). A secondary goal is identification and treatment of minor
ocular injuries.
KEY POINTS
Prioritize and stabilize airway, breathing, and circulation—the
management of life-threatening injuries must be prioritized over any
eye injury, and the proximity of vital structures of the airway and the
intracranial vasculature require all practitioners to consider this before
assessing the eye.
The first step in the examination of the traumatized eye should be to
assess the visual acuity of both the injured and the unaffected eye.
Ensure the structural integrity of the eye quickly and rule out the
presence of an open-globe injury.
RELATED CHAPTERS
Signs and Symptoms
Eye: Red Eye: Chapter 27
Eye: Strabismus: Chapter 28
Eye: Unequal Pupils: Chapter 29
Eye: Visual Disturbances: Chapter 30
Medical, Surgical, and Trauma Emergencies
Child Abuse/Assault: Chapter 87
Neurotrauma: Chapter 113
Ophthalmic Emergencies: Chapter 123