Identifying and treating ocular emergencies.

Abstract

The nurse's role in addressing ophthalmic emergencies can determine the urgency of the treatment and, in some cases, the final visual outcome. It is important to understand the spectrum of traumatic eye injuries so the patient will be better cared for and the appropriate treatment regimen will be started before permanent vision loss occurs. Assessing visual acuity is key; it must be documented, and if visual acuity cannot be obtained immediately, this fact also must be recorded.