Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

Which of the following conditions might be indicated if an athlete presents with a loss of visual field and pain after an eye injury?

1. Corneal abrasion

2. Hyphema

3. Orbital fracture

4. Retinal detachment

The correct answer is: Retinal detachment

When an athlete experiences loss of visual field and pain following an eye injury, it may indicate retinal detachment. This condition occurs when the retina becomes separated from the underlying supportive tissue, which can lead to significant visual impairment. Symptoms often include the perception of flashes of light, floating spots, or a curtain-like shadow over the visual field, along with pain in some cases. In contrast, corneal abrasions typically present with pain and sensitivity to light but do not generally result in loss of visual field. Hyphema, which involves blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, can lead to blurred vision and discomfort, but is not primarily characterized by a loss of visual field. An orbital fracture may affect vision or cause double vision due to muscle entrapment, but the specific symptom of loss of visual field is more directly associated with retinal issues. Therefore, given the symptoms described, retinal detachment is the most appropriate condition that aligns with the presentation of loss of visual field and pain following an eye injury.