Eye Assessment

Most eye complaints and presentations are minor and require little or no treatment. However, some eye problems can be catastrophic and lead to blindness so take no risk when dealing with an eye complaint.

Minor eyel illnesses dont commonly present to the ambulance service. Most eye problems are usually to do with falls, assaults and foreign bodies. It is often not possible to perform a thorough examination of the eye in the prehospital environment and usually patients need to be taken to the ED, Minor injuries units or their opthamologist.

Common Minor Illness affecting the eyes

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva and can be classified as non infectious or infectious.

Anyone can get conjunctivitis but it is most common in those 7 and under.

Symptoms:

  • Red eye, usually generalised and often both eyes.

  • Irritation, grittiness and discomfort but not extreme pain.

  • Discharge which can be watery, mucoid, sticky or purulent.

Visual acuity should be unaltered.

Blepharitis

Refers a group of conditions that are characterised by inflammation of the eyelid margin.

Can be chronic or acute and can affect all ages.

Symptoms:

  • Sore, gritty eyes with possible itching or burning.

  • Eyelids stuck together on waking.

  • Symptoms worse in the morning.

  • Bilateral affect.

  • Long periods of exacerbations and remissions.

Dry Eyes

Eye Injuries

Chemical Burns

Wash the eyes out to dilute and disperse the chemical. Wash from the inner corner and have the person tip their head to the side so the water runs off their face quickly.

Rinse for 20 mintues.

History

Visual disturbance? Sudden or gradual. Bilateral affect? (Flashing, floaters, partial loss, field loss, blurring, altered colours and lines.)

Any vision loss, sudden or gradual? Bilateral?

Pain, superfial or deep? Gritty or irritation?

Associated headache?

Photophobia or discomfort caused by light.

Visible changes?

History of inury, either blunt or penetrating?

Is the patient feeling generally unwell.

If any of the above exist a patient should be transported for futher assessment at hospital.

Ophthalmic Hx:

Do they wear spectacles or contact lenses?

Any recent problems with their contact lenses?

Any known eye diseased?

Do they take or use any eye ledications?

Any history or eye surgery or cataract?