An Evidence-Based Approach to Abnormal Vision in the Emergency Department

Points & Pearls Excerpt

• Iritis or anterior uveitis presents with consensual photophobia, pain, and blurry vision. On slit lamp examination, cells and flare will be noted in the anterior chamber.
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a true emergency. It can be triggered by medications, dim lighting, or even emotional upset.
• Treat acute angle-closure glaucoma with a combination of medications to reduce aqueous humor production (topical beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, or mannitol if refractory) and medications to increase aqueous humor outflow (topical phenylephrine, pilocarpine, and a topical steroid).
• Floaters can be caused by retinal tears, vitreous detachment, and vitreous hemorrhage.

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