Ocular injuries in MWDs in deployed settings will likely include irritant conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, eyelid lacerations, and penetrating foreign objects. Clinical signs of ocular and periocular injury include eyelid lacerations, swelling of the periorbital tissues or conjunctiva, exudate in the conjunctival sac or on the eyelids, blepharospasm, intense redness of the conjunctiva, epiphora, photophobia, and rubbing the eye. Penetrating foreign objects may be present. Many MWD ocular injuries can be prevented with proper wear of eye protection.

This Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) provides a framework for delivery of high-quality ophthalmology services in a deployed environment. It provides immediate and urgent care guidelines for MWD ocular injuries to veterinarians and human healthcare providers. Subsequent treatment may require secondary interventions involving veterinary ophthalmologists.