ED Legal Letter – April 1, 2003
April 1, 2003
View Archives Issues
-
Ocular emergencies: Don’t lose sight of the diagnosis
The emergency physician (EP) and nurse often may encounter patients with the chief complaint of eye pain or visual problems. Generally, the diagnosis easily is obtained and quickly treated. Unfortunately, a subset of patients will present with an illness that threatens permanent vision loss or impairment. EPs must have a broad differential diagnosis and structured approach in evaluating these patients to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.