Assessing an eye injury patient

Eye injuries are common, occurring either as isolated injuries or as part of head or facial injuries. Health workers at primary level or in a trauma department should have a good knowledge of the presentation and management of ocular injuries. Health workers must be able to skillfully handle injuries to ocular structures in a way that aims to restore vision and prevent further loss of vision. This article discusses the practical steps that should be taken at first contact with the patient and highlights the level of urgency of referral.