EMERGENCY CASES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY AT KING HUSSEIN MEDICAL CENTRE (KHMH)

Ahmad A. Aldhoun MD, Ahmed E. Khatatbeh MD, Marwa H. Teimat MD*, Hassan W. Harahsheh MD, Mohammad A. Altarawneh and Issam F. Alrbaihat MD

ABSTRACT

Aim: to explore type and patterns of ophthalmic cases attending to the emergency room at King Hussein Medical Center. Method: retrospective study was conducted at the emergency department of King Hussein Medical Center between Jan. 2020 and Jan 2022. All patients who attended to the emergency department seeking for medical advice regarding ocular complaints were enrolled in the study. Data was initially collected regarding demographic features of the patients, previous medical and ocular history and main complaint of the patients. The outcome of detailed ocular examination was recorded which included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior segment examination, posterior segment examination and intraocular pressure measurement. Results: 1512 patients with a mean age of (35.5±12.2) years were enrolled in the study. 892 (59.0%) of them were males. 38.5% of patients were at 45 years of age or above. Pain was seen in 44.1% of cases and ocular trauma was the most common diagnosis established at the emergency room (37.6%). Conclusion: Eye pain was the most frequent symptom encountered among ocular emergencies. Trauma was the most ocular professional diagnosis established at the emergency room. Vast majority of ocular cases were urgent.

Keywords: Emergency room, Ocular complaints, Ocular emergencies.