Ophthalmology

Can Emergency Physicians Do Lateral Canthotomy?

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This retrospective study showed that EM providers are equipped to perform lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (C&C) in cases of orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) with success rates comparable to ophthalmologists.

Source
Success rates of lateral canthotomy and cantholysis for treatment of orbital compartment syndrome. Am J Emerg Med. 2023 Jun 1;70:140-143. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.05.037. Epub ahead of print.

How Much Do You Know About Orbital Cellulitis?

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Orbital cellulitis is a high-risk and low-prevalence disease characterized by a painful, red eye, usually with eyelid erythema. Red flags include pain with eye movements, photophobia, diplopia, decreased visual acuity, decreased color vision, and proptosis.

Source 
High risk and low prevalence diseases: Orbital cellulitis. Am J Emerg Med. 2023 Jun;68:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.02.024. Epub 2023 Feb 26.

Quality Versus Comfort: Does Tegaderm Get in the Way of Ocular Ultrasound?

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Using Tegaderm™ during ocular ultrasound was associated with poorer image quality and had no effect on patient comfort. If you’re using ocular ultrasound as a modality, consider if using a Tegaderm™ will get in the way of a good diagnosis.

Source
Covered or uncovered: A randomized control trial of Tegaderm versus no Tegaderm for ocular ultrasound. Am J Emerg Med. 2022 Aug 28;61:87-89. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.08.044. Online ahead of print.

Topical Tetracaine for Corneal Abrasions

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Short-term use of topical tetracaine for uncomplicated corneal abrasions was associated with significant pain reduction and decreased need for opioid medications, with no difference in wound healing or serious complications. However, larger studies are needed to definitively demonstrate safety and rule out rare adverse events.

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