Abstract
Introduction. This chapter will cover geriatric eye, ear, nose, and throat emergencies. The topics covered include acute angle closure glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, uveitis, conjunctivitis, central retinal artery occlusion, branch retinal artery occlusion, central retinal vein occlusion, branch retinal vein occlusion, giant cell arteritis, otitis externa, malignant otitis externa, epistaxis, dental abscess, Ludwig’s angina, peritonsillar abscess, epiglottitis, retropharyngeal abscess, and angioedema from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Eye. Vision loss is one of the most feared complications of aging. Unfortunately it is very common, with visual impairment in 1 out of every 28 people older than the age of 40 years. In the US, adults older than 80 years account for only 8% of the population but 70% of the cases of severe visual impairment. The consequences of visual impairment in the elderly can be severe. These patients are more likely to be institutionalized and are at increased risk for depression, social isolation, and falls [1].Acute angle closure glaucoma. Acute angle closure glaucoma (AACG) occurs when a blockage of aqueous humor l ow produces increased intraocular pressure resulting in the loss of vision. In contrast to other glaucomas, such as chronic angle closure glaucoma and primary open angle glaucoma, symptoms are sudden, severe, and require immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss. As the US population ages, emergency medicine physicians will encounter AACG more frequently. The overall incidence of AACG is about 1 in 1000 people over the age of 40 [2]. It is primarily a disease of the elderly, with the peak incidence being between the ages of 55 and 70 [3]. Women are more commonly affected than men [4]. © Cambridge University Press 2014.