Posterior Segment Trauma

Abstract

There are many potential causes of vision loss in trauma patients. To reduce morbidity, clinicians can advocate for the use of safety glasses and head protection, promote education concerning the risks involved when engaging in high-risk activities, and minimize the likelihood that such potentially devastating accidents occur. Unfortunately, not all trauma is preventable, but with prompt evaluation and treatment, many patients can retain vision. Because these injuries may initially be asymptomatic, a high degree of suspicion and low threshold for referral should be considered with any patients who have a history of head injury, periorbital ecchymosis, or altered visual acuity.