Which department should I visit for eye trauma?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, eye injuries can be referred to the emergency department, ophthalmology, ocular trauma specialty, neurosurgery, or oral and maxillofacial surgery, depending on the specific site and severity of injury. Additionally, if patients are unsure about the appropriate department, they may consult the hospital's guidance desk. It is important to practice routine eye protection, wear protective goggles when engaging in high-risk work, and take preventive measures to avoid eye injuries.
In general, eye injuries can be referred to the emergency department, ophthalmology, ocular trauma specialty, neurosurgery, or oral and maxillofacial surgery depending on the specific site and severity of injury. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Emergency Department
The emergency department is the first point of care for acute eye injuries, suitable for urgent conditions such as penetrating eye injuries, chemical burns, or blunt ocular trauma with significant bleeding. These injuries require immediate intervention; the emergency team can rapidly initiate life- and vision-saving measures including hemostasis, irrigation, and shock management, thereby securing time for further specialized treatment.
2. Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is the core department for routine diagnosis and treatment of eye injuries, managing common conditions such as eyelid lacerations, corneal abrasions, and iris contusions. Ophthalmologists are well-versed in ocular anatomy and can accurately assess the extent of damage using tools like slit-lamp examination and fundoscopy. Treatments may include wound suturing, anti-inflammatory medications, and foreign body removal.
3. Ocular Trauma Specialty
Larger medical centers often have dedicated ocular trauma departments, which handle complex eye injuries such as multi-site combined injuries, intraocular foreign bodies, and traumatic cataracts. Specialists in this field possess extensive clinical experience and perform delicate surgical procedures to restore ocular function and reduce the risk of blindness.
4. Neurosurgery
If an eye injury is accompanied by cranial fractures, optic canal damage, or intracranial hemorrhage—indicating associated brain or skull injury—referral to neurosurgery is necessary. Such injuries may affect the visual conduction pathways. Neurosurgeons use imaging studies to locate lesions and may perform surgery to relieve compression or repair damaged nerves.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
When eye injuries involve the orbital bones or maxillofacial soft tissues—such as orbital fractures or through-and-through injuries connecting the eyelids and face—patients should be referred to oral and maxillofacial surgery. This specialty excels in reconstructing the facial and orbital regions. Surgeons will perform procedures to realign fractured bones and suture damaged tissues, restoring structural integrity of the face and orbit.
In addition, if patients are uncertain about which department to visit, they may consult the hospital’s triage desk. It is important to practice preventive eye protection in daily life, especially wearing protective goggles during high-risk work to prevent eye injuries.
