This article is the first of two articles about traumatic eye injuries. This article covers the relevant anatomy, history, examination and emergency sight-threatening pathologies to enable you to refer to ophthalmology specialists. The second is called Common Traumatic Pathologies and covers injuries that are important to identify but are less of an emergency. Anatomy Ocular
Introduction Risk Factors Causes Bacterial keratitis Pathogens: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Pseudomonas species. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common cause in contact lens wearers Fungal keratitis Pathogens: Fusarium and Aspergillus species (filamentary fungi) often from ocular trauma; Candida species (yeasts) in the immunocompromised Protozoal keratitis Pathogen: Acanthamoeba A very rare cause of keratitis and often difficult
What is it? Common Etiological Agents Alkalis Agent Example Lime (most common) Plaster, cement Ammonia * Fertilisers Lye * Drain cleaner Magnesium Hydroxide Sparklers, incendiary devices Potassium Hydroxide Soaps, detergents *Ammonia and lye tend to cause more severe alkali injuries Acids Agent Example Sulphuric acid (mostcommon) Industrial cleaners, batteries Sulphurous acid Bleach Acetic acid Vinegar Hydrochloric
What is it? A sudden increase in intraocular pressure, which can present as an ophthalmic emergency. It usually occurs when the angle between the cornea and iris suddenly becomes closed. The diagram below shows the normal anatomy of the human eye, focusing in on the problem area. The trabecular meshwork is a drainage pathway for
No matter what time of the day it is, this is an ophthalmic emergency and requires urgent management to save vision! Orbital compartment syndrome occurs as a result of a raised intra-orbital pressure which can lead to permanent vision loss in as little as an hour if left untreated. (1) What is it? Orbital compartment
The Multiple Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) is a computer-based exam increasingly being used by many different specialties as part of core training applications. For all specialties, the MSRA score will contribute to or be the sole consideration for shortlisting candidates for limited interview slots for each specialty. Subsequently, the MSRA score will also (often) contribute
Cataract Surgery: A Brief Introduction Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness in the world. Cataract surgery involves removal of the cataract and replacement with an intraocular lens. As many as 95% of patients will have an improved visual acuity (1), often accompanied by significant improvement in their quality of life. It does however
What is it? GCA (Giant cell arteritis) or temporal arteritis is a well known Ophthalmology emergency. GCA is a type of vasculitis that affects medium to larger sized vessels Who gets it? Signs and symptoms: Local symptoms Systemic symptoms Headache Jaw claudication Pain in tongue Painful scalp/over temporal area Persistent pain Hardening of temporal artery
A cataract is “a clouding of the lens of the eye or of its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light”. Cataracts cause 50% of blindness and 33% of visual impairment around the world (Wale et al). Luckily, cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed around the world and
Ophthalmology is a hugely popular career. Having the skills and ability to improve a patient’s quality of life by restoring their eyesight is undeniably a rewarding vocation. Other positive of Ophthalmology include: An opportunity to use both medical and surgical skills throughout your career, both in the UK and if you wish, abroad. It is
