Preparation is paramount. Here’s how to gear up for these unexpected events so that you can react appropriately in your clinic.
The most crucial aspect of any examination is the history. A comprehensive history includes talking with the patient and getting to know them. Not only do you foster a relationship that will hopefully last for years to come, but you can also better serve the patient’s needs as well. You might learn that a patient is struggling in school and suggest a referral to a learning specialist or neuropsychologist or run a few extra binocular vision tests. You may learn that a patient recently lost a family member and extend condolences and a listening ear; if needed, you can provide a referral to a counselor. You could learn that a patient has not had a physical in many years and suggest visiting their primary care physician.
Due to the cornea’s role in protecting the eye, it is commonly injured in trauma, resulting from a multitude of etiologies as discussed. With prompt care and treatment, these conditions can be managed and visual acuity can be preserved.
A 40-year-old Caucasian female presented with three days of paracentral visual disturbance in both eyes (OU). She denied flashes, floaters, pain or photophobia. Her medical and ocular histories were unremarkable; she denied any prescription, over-the-counter or illicit drug use. She also denied any similar previous episodes and had no known environmental or drug allergies.
Due to the cornea’s role in protecting the eye, it is commonly injured in trauma, resulting from a multitude of etiologies as discussed. With prompt care and treatment, these conditions can be managed and visual acuity can be preserved.
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