Posters

Patterns of ophthalmic emergencies presenting to a tertiary referral hospital in the south of Italy

Poster Details

First Author: F.D'Oria ITALY

Co Author(s): T. Rizzo   M. Bordinone   S. Guerriero   P. Puzo   R. Favale   G. Alessio     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To analyze the pattern of ophthalmic emergencies presenting over a 2-months period recording the frequency and characteristics of ophthalmic cases attending the ophthalmic emergency room (OER).

Setting:

Department of Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

Methods:

A retrospective study was carried out for patients older than 18 years of age who presented to the OER. Only the data about self-referral patients was analyzed. The study sample included 808 patients.

Results:

Various types of conjunctivitis were the most common diagnosis, reported in 252 patients (31.2%), followed by foreign bodies in 100 patients (12.4%). Subconjunctival hemorrhage was detected in 81 patients (10%) and hordeolum/chalazion in 49 patients (6.1%). Corneal abrasion was diagnosed in 78 patients (9.7%), infectious keratitis in 28 patients (3.5%). Vitreous posterior detachment was found in 59 (7.3%) patients and retinal detachment in 11 patients (1.4%). Eye traumas were diagnosed in 19 patients (2.4%), increased intraocular pressure in 9 patients (1.1%), and various other non-urgent (72 patients, 8.9%) and urgent (50 patients, 6.2%) pathologies in the remaining patients (Table 1).

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological study designed to investigate ocular emergencies in this region. It was observed that non-emergent ophthalmic cases were the most common reason for the OER visits, approximately one third of patients complaining conjunctivitis. Those non-urgent patients could be referred to outpatient departments and potentially be managed by primary or secondary care units. This would be more cost effective and will also allow for better management of vision threatening ocular emergencies.

Financial Disclosure:

None