Ocular examination techniques for the emergency department.

The purpose of this article is to provide a guide to assist the Emergency Physician in examining the eye. The evaluation of a patient with eye problems consists of a history, visual acuity, pupil examination, external examination, extra ocular movements, visual fields, and color vision. The patient is then examined at the slit lamp. After the slit lamp examination, the fundus and optic nerve is examined with a direct ophthalmoscope and intraocular pressure is measured. Special tests such as a plain film study and computed tomography (CT) scan may be obtained when indicated and, finally, referral to an ophthalmologist can be made for a dilated fundus examination, ultrasound studies of the eye and orbit, and surgical treatment.