Ophthalmologist how-to

How to Triage an Eye Emergency

Some eye problems can’t wait.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Some eye problems can’t wait. In short: check; ask; irrigate, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Check vision.

  2. Ask about trauma or chemicals.

  3. Irrigate chemical injuries immediately.

  4. Examine with a slit lamp.

  5. Check pressure.

  6. Treat or operate urgently.

Safety reminders for ophthalmologists

  • Use sterile technique for injections and surgery
  • Follow laser safety
  • Irrigate chemical injuries immediately
  • Verify correct eye before procedures

Cataract · Phacoemulsification · Intraocular lens · Glaucoma · Macular degeneration · Retinal detachment: see the full ophthalmologist glossary.

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