Optometry: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the number and characteristics of patients presented to ophthalmology emergency room in a general hospital, types of ocular cases, the sources of referral and disposal of all new cases. Method: A retrospective study was initiated using the records and history of all patients attending the emergency room at King Saud Medical City, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during months of June, July and August 2016. Results: A total of 29540 patients visited the casualty Department of KSMC during months of June, July and August, 598 (2%) of them presented with ophthalmic complaint. Of the patients included in the study, 349 (58.4%) were male. The most common diagnosis was trauma (63.9%). Among trauma cases, the most common type was corneal abrasion (40%). Most cases (97.5%) seen were self-referrals. Almost 92% of patients seen and managed by resident in duty and 67.3% of cases managed and discharged at the first visit. Conclusion: Eye injuries were the most common reason for the ophthalmology emergency room visits especially among young adult. This highlights the importance of education and awareness for the community through media as well as regarding the preventive safety measures.

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