Basic Science and Pathophysiology

No assessment of eye problems can be undertaken without a knowledge of the basic anatomy of the eye.

The majority of eye problems presenting to the ED relate to the anterior eye.

Fig.1 Eye anatomy via Shutterstock

Common sites of injury and infection are:

  • Cornea
  • Conjunctiva
  • Eyelids

Visual disturbance can arise as a result of a problem with any structure along the visual axis or neural visual pathway.

Fig.2 Visual Pathway via Shutterstock