Common Eye Emergencies
Some eye injuries happen more frequently than others. The Eye Care Team is dedicated to keeping you and your eyes healthy. Follow these guidelines if an emergency occurs and contact our office once the situation has been stabilized.
Chemical Contact
Our eyes are incredibly sensitive. Foreign substances can cause irritation and even permanent damage. Should you get any chemicals in your eyes, flush your eyes immediately for 15 minutes, using the nearest source of cool, clean water.
You must continue to flush for 15 minutes to ensure all residual traces of the chemical have been washed away. Any chemical traces that remain can cause damage later.
Corneal Abrasion
Your cornea is the front surface of your eye – the clear dome that covers your iris and pupil. Like other areas of your eye, it is incredibly delicate and can be easily damaged. A scratch can make your eye vulnerable to infection.
If you experience a corneal abrasion, do not rub your eye. This may make the situation worse by moving the debris around and causing more damage. Instead, gently rinse your eye with clean, cool water to flush away any debris and seek professional medical attention immediately.
Foreign Object
If there is an object embedded in your eye, do not rub your eye or attempt to remove the object as this may cause further damage. Instead, proceed to the nearest hospital immediately.
If a loose object is trapped between the eyelid and eye or resting on the eye’s surface, avoid rubbing it. Instead, you can attempt to dislodge the object by flushing your eye with clean, cool water. Once you dislodge the object, seek medical attention.
Do not try to remove the object using your fingers or a pair of tweezers, as this may cause further damage. If you cannot remove the object by flushing your eye, seek medical attention immediately.
Red Eyes
Red eyes can be caused by environmental factors or appear as an unfortunate side effect of a pre-existing eye condition. These can range from something as simple as dust or smoke to more complex afflictions like corneal ulcers.
While there are different causes for red or bloodshot eyes, a sudden, intense redness, swelling, or pain requires attention. Begin by flushing your eyes with clean, cool water. If redness and pain persist, seek medical attention immediately.
Sudden Flashes & Floaters
Occasional eye floaters are not usually cause for alarm. But if you experience an explosion of specks drifting across your field of vision, especially if sudden flashes of light accompany them, you should contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
These symptoms could indicate vitreous detachment, a condition that could lead to retinal detachment. If you are unsure whether your eye floaters are a warning sign, please contact us for an emergency eye care assessment.
