Activity and epidemiology of a recently‐opened ophthalmic emergency center in an University Hospital

Abstract

AbstractPurpose To investigate characteristics of ophthalmic emergencies in a new unit of emergency care in an University hospital in order to improve the management of patients.Methods Prospective monocentric cross‐sectional study of ophtalmic emergencies over a 2‐month period. All patients presenting themselves have been included. Patients characteristics, waiting‐time, pathology, and the reality of the emergency were analysed.Results 1506 patients were examined (average 24 per day). Mean age was 47 years and 60% were male. The median of waiting time was 30 minutes and 24% of patients were registered during the on‐call time. The main reasons for consultation were pain (37%), red eye (32%), vision loss (24%). The main diagnoses were ocular trauma (29%), ocular inflammation and infection (24%), normal examination and refractive error (13%). We have estimated that 38% of our patients did not need an ophthalmic specialized emergency examination or treatment. Numerus and various daily ophtalmic emergencies require relevant diagnosis and treatment. Better information of the population and prevention of trauma and infection could help to decrease the number and the severity of ophtalmic emergencies. An improvement of the general and emergency practitioners knowledges in regards to ophthalmic pathologies could allow them to diagnose and treat begnin cases.Conclusion There is a real need for a permanent ophthalmic emergency department. However patient education and an improvement of care network could allow us to focus on cases that require specialized cares.