What is an eye injury that needs immediate referral?

• A. Diplopia
• B. Ptosis
• C. Retinal detachment
• D. Conjunctivitis

Answer: (A)

Diplopia after an eye injury is a red flag that immediate referral is needed because new or persistent double vision often signals a serious problem affecting eye alignment, muscle function, or nerve/petal structures. This can occur with orbital fractures causing muscle entrapment, cranial nerve injury that controls eye movements, or internal eye injuries that threaten vision. If someone experiences double vision, quick evaluation is essential to prevent potential permanent vision loss.

Ptosis by itself might come from a minor eyelid injury or a mild nerve issue and isn’t always an urgent threat, though it deserves assessment if it’s new or accompanied by other symptoms. Conjunctivitis is usually a benign inflammatory or infectious process that doesn’t threaten vision acutely and can be managed with routine care. Retinal detachment is an emergency too, but its classic signs include a curtain-like loss of vision or sudden flashes and new floaters; in the context of an acute sports eye injury, diplopia remains the most clear and immediate reason to refer right away.