Non-Traumatic Ocular Emergencies

Non-traumatic ocular emergencies are vision-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention without physical injury to the eye. These emergencies, including acute angle-closure glaucoma, retinal vascular occlusions, and endophthalmitis, can result in irreversible vision loss within hours if not promptly recognized and treated. Patient history and clinical presentation provide critical diagnostic clues. Early recognition of characteristic symptoms and signs, coupled with appropriate emergency intervention and timely ophthalmologic referral, is essential for preserving visual function. This review provides emergency physicians with evidence-based diagnostic criteria, treatment algorithms, and management strategies for eight major non-traumatic ocular emergencies, emphasizing time-critical interventions that can prevent permanent visual disability.