Emergency Medicine Reports – September 1, 2014
September 1, 2014
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Evaluation and Management of Sudden Vision Loss: Part I
Emergency physicians are often consulted by patients experiencing ocular symptoms. It is estimated that more than two million emergency department (ED) visits occur in the United States every year (approximately 3% of total ED visits) due to ocular complaints. Acute vision loss is an especially frightening experience that leads many patients to seek emergency care. Although this symptom is rarely life-threatening, early recognition and treatment of the cause is of paramount importance, as the patient may permanently lose sight in the affected eye(s). Emergency physicians (EPs) should be adept at diagnosing, treating, and obtaining appropriate ophthalmology consultation and follow up for this reason.