This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Pathoanatomy of trauma-induced ocular injuries aids in diagnosis
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Ocular trauma has multiple presentations, a speaker said here.
“Understanding the pathoanatomy of trauma-induced injuries aids in diagnosis,” Suber Huang, MD, said at Retina 2013. “The first look at the injury is often the best and most helpful.”
According to Huang, a careful and complete ocular examination with early appropriate management helps preserve vision. Improved surgical instrumentation does not change the pathophysiology of the injury or healing process, he said.
Ocular traumas may have legal implications for physicians. Huang said a common legal concern is physicians failing to warn one-eyed, functionally impaired or susceptible patients of the implications of their condition.
He said malpractice insurance does not generally cover product liability if a physician dispenses a product to a patient.
Huang suggested physicians should avoid giving false expectations to patients and ensure patients have no misconceptions about the seriousness of their injury.
Battlefield injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, also have growing implications for physicians, he said, with both having potentially long-lasting effects on a patient’s vision.
Disclosure: Huang has no relevant financial disclosures.