Urgent Eye Conditions

Abstract

Some conditions require to be treated within hours for optimum outcome, but are not emergencies in that an immediate response is not necessary. Conditions in this category are either acutely painful, such as acute glaucoma, both primary angle closure and secondary, cause significant visual symptoms such as retinal detachments and acute onset ischaemic optic neuropathies or are alarming and rapidly evolving such as orbital cellulitis. The presentation and management of these is discussed. The technique for YAG PI is described. Giant cell artereitis (GCA) is reviewed in detail, with description of the technique for temporal artery biopsy (TAB). The technique for draining an acute lacrimal abscess is also described.