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Management of Ocular Emergencies and Urgent Eye Problems

Evaluation of the patient with an acute eye problem begins with documentation of the level of vision in each eye, except in the case of a splash injury. In such cases, immediate copious irrigation is of critical importance. Subconjunctival hemorrhage is common and, typically, completely benign. Herpes simplex infection is painful and can lead to extensive damage. Herpes zoster infection is usually accompanied by skin lesions and can be effectively treated with oral acyclovir or famcyclovir. In patients with Bell’s palsy, the eye must be carefully protected to prevent secondary injury. Corneal abrasions heal rapidly when antibiotics and patch protection are provided. Acute infections of the eyelids and conjunctivae usually respond well to topical antibiotics and warm compresses. Traumatic injuries require careful evaluation and, often, referral to an ophthalmologist.

Author

Garcia GE

Publication

Am Fam Physician 1996 Feb 1;53(2):565-74

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A 60-year-old female splashed cleaning solution in her eyes. She was irrigated with the Morgan Lens until pH returned to normal. Afterwards, she told me, "You know, contact lenses are a lot more comfortable than I thought. Maybe I should get some!". Her chemical conjunctivitis resolved nicely without sequelae. A clinical success.

Physician (Virginia)

Why Use The Morgan Lens?

The Morgan Lens is used in 90% of hospital emergency departments in the USA and can be inserted in less than 20 seconds. There simply is no other "hands-free" method of eye irrigation. Nothing else frees medical personnel to treat other injuries or to transport the patient while irrigation is underway. Nothing is more effective at treating ocular chemical, thermal, and actinic burns or removing non-embedded foreign bodies, even when the patient's eyes are closed tightly. Its design makes it simple and straightforward to use so minimal training is required.