Point of Care Ultrasonography for the Evaluation of Ocular Emergencies.

Abstract

Ocular point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a pivotal tool in evaluating ocular emergencies in the emergency department (ED), addressing millions of annual visits for eye complaints in the United States. Compared to traditional imaging methods, ocular POCUS's advantages include efficiency, repeatability, and safety. Adequate patient preparation, positioning, and transducer selection are essential for obtaining high-quality images. Ocular POCUS offers static and dynamic imaging,aiding in diagnosing conditions like retinal detachment and increased intracranial pressure. Emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) can use ocular POCUS to expedite diagnosis and interventions, improving patient outcomes. Overall, ocular POCUS represents a rapid, non-invasive, and effective means of evaluating ocular emergencies in the ED, promising improved diagnostic accuracy, treatment initiation, and, ultimately, enhanced patient care.