The Frequency Of Ocular Trauma Management In States With Therapeutic Priviledges.

The frequency of ocular trauma and management was surveyed from optometric practitioners in states with therapeutic privileges. Of all the types of trauma surveyed, corneal abrasion was the most common diagnosis. Corneal foreign bodies and toxic
keratitis were the next most common presentations. Overall, superficial eye trauma (i.e. corneal abrasion, superficial foreign body, etc.) accounted for 65 percent of al l trauma cases
presented to the optometrists, while intraocular anterior and posterior segment trauma accounted for 14 and 20 percent respectively. Of all the superficial eye trauma cases seen, over 90 percent were managed solely by the optometrists. Of the intraocular anterior segment trauma cases (i.e. traumatic iritis, etc.), over 60 percent were managed by the optometrists. This study may be of interest to educators, health care planners, and
to legislatures contemplating expanding the scope of optometric practice.