Examination of the injured eye: single system injury

Abstract

Eye trauma is common and all trauma doctors should receive instruction in ocular examination techniques. This article considers different elements of eye examination: facial asymmetry and orbital fractures, lacerations, eye movements, pupils, anterior segment, posterior segment, and the optic nerve. Emphasis is placed on paediatric patients and those who will be particularly difficult to examine, such as those patients with occult rupture of the eye or brain penetration. The eye should be examined as part of the secondary survey in all trauma patients once they have been stabilized as blinding injuries can be treated and sight saved.