Eye Emergencies

Eye emergencies cover a range of incidents and conditions such as trauma, cuts, scratches, foreign objects in the eye, burns, chemical exposure, photic retinopathy, and blunt injuries to the eye or eyelid. Since the eye is easily damaged, serious complications can occur from an eye injury; thus, any of these conditions without proper treatment can lead to a partial loss of vision or even permanent blindness.

Depending on the type of injury, any of the following symptoms may be present:

• Bleeding or other discharge from or around the eye

• Bruising

• Decreased vision

• Double vision

• Loss of vision, total or partial, in one eye or both

• Pupils of unequal size

• Eye pain

• New or severe headaches

• Itchy eyes

• Redness or bloodshot appearance

• A sensation of something in the eye

• Sensitivity to light

• Stinging or burning in the eye

• One eye is not moving like the other

• One eye is sticking out or bulging

• Nausea or headache occurring with eye pain (this may be a symptom of glaucoma or stroke).

We are able to handle same-day appointments for urgent, non-life-threatening eye problems.

In case of eye injury:

• Do NOT rub or apply pressure to your eye

• Do NOT try to remove foreign objects that are stuck in any part of your eye

• For chemical exposures, immediately begin flushing the eye with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15-20 minutes. Continue flushing while seeking emergency care.

• Call ahead. If you are unsure, call your optometrist's office. They can advise if you should come in or go to the ER based on your symptoms.

Your vision is precious, and timely intervention is key. While this guide provides general information, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

How to prevent eye injuries

Eye injuries can happen anywhere. Accidents can happen during high-risk activities, but also in places where you least expect them. There are things that can be done to decrease the risk of eye injuries, including wearing protective eyewear when using power tools or engaging in high-risk sporting events, following the directions carefully when working with chemicals or cleaning supplies, keeping scissors, knives, and other sharp instruments away from young children, and keeping a distance from amateur fireworks.

To decrease the chances of developing permanent eye damage, immediate medical evaluation is necessary in the event of an eye injury.