As much as you try to prevent eye injuries, accidents happen. The crucial thing is knowing how to handle them to prevent further eye damage. Safety measures like wearing protective eyewear are most effective in preventing eye injury.
What Is An Eye Emergency?
It is considered an emergency if your eye, the area surrounding your eye, or your eyelids get injured. Examples of eye emergencies include:
- Sudden loss or blurring of vision in either or both eyes
- New or sudden flashes of light or floaters
- Pain in the eye
- Injury to the eye or head
- Foreign particle in the eye
- Red eyes or recent onset
- Discharge from the eyes
- Extreme swollen eyelid
- Contact lens lost or broken in the eye
- Chemical splashes
- Steamy or cloudy vision of recent onset
- Sudden unequal pupil size
- Sudden double vision or crossed eyes
In these situations, quickly seeking medical attention is vital.
Eye Emergencies From Foreign Objects
One common eye emergency is a foreign object in the eye. If you get a small particle like dust or sand in your eye, try flushing it out with clean water or saline solution. Do not rub your eye, as this can cause the particle to scratch the surface of your eye. If the object is still in your eye after flushing, seek medical attention immediately. If the object is larger, cover your eye and do not touch it. Rush to your nearest emergency eye doctor.
Chemical Burn Eye Emergencies
Another common eye emergency is a chemical burn. Solutions like bleaches or cleaning solutions can cause chemical burns. If you get any chemical in your eye, immediately flush it with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Do not rub your eye, as this can cause further damage. After flushing, seek medical attention.
Detached Retina
One of the most serious eye emergencies is a detached retina. It occurs when the retina detaches from the underlying tissue. The retina is the part of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain.
Symptoms of a detached retina include sudden flashes of light, floaters, or a darkening of your peripheral vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate help.
Scratched Cornea
A scratched cornea is another common eye emergency. It can occur from a foreign object, a contact lens, or even rubbing your eye too hard. A scratched cornea may lead to redness, pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your cornea is scratched.
Eye Infections
Bacteria, viruses, or allergies can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis. Symptoms of an eye infection include
- Redness
- Itching
- Discharge
- Sensitivity to light
Most eye infections require emergency treatment by a qualified eye doctor.
Conclusion
Knowing how to respond to common eye emergencies is important. For this, it is important to maintain a well-stocked first aid kit. In it, you should have items like an eyewash for chemical eye emergencies, an eye shield, and more.
Also, have emergency numbers for the closest eye doctor, emergency services, and Poison Control. If you experience any sudden or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. The quicker you act, the better your chance of preventing further damage to your eyes.
For more on eye emergencies and how to respond, contact King Family Eye Care at our Old Saybrook or Rocky Hill, Connecticut offices. Call (860) 388-9300 or (860) 258-2380, respectively, to schedule an appointment.