What is an Eye Emergency?

Eye injuries, problems, and concerns come in all different types. Many people will experience some kind of eye problem or injury at some point in their lifetime. Many types of issues are minor, such as eye strain, pink eye, or dry eyes.

Many eye problems are minor inconveniences that resolve themselves. However, some eye issues and injuries can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
​

Recognizing an eye emergency and seeking appropriate care is vital to preventing vision loss. Continue reading for general information on recognizing eye emergencies, including when to seek immediate medical care.
​

What is an eye emergency?

An eye emergency can include a range of conditions and incidents that, without prompt treatment, can lead to partial or total vision loss. Potential causes of an eye emergency include:

Eye injuries: Some eye injuries, such as getting dirt in your eye, may be minor. However, certain injuries can be serious and require immediate treatment. Seek immediate treatment for:

• Blunt trauma to the eye
• Foreign object in the eye
• Chemical burns
• Cuts to the cornea

Infections: Eye infections may be minor but having them checked out is never a bad idea. Signs to see an eye doctor or take a trip to the emergency room include:

• Eye pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications
• Thick, colored discharge coming from the eye
• High fever with eye-related symptoms

Sudden vision changes: Severe eye pain, a loss of vision, or a sudden decrease in vision also require a trip to an eye specialist or the emergency room.
​

Where should you go for an eye emergency?

Where you go for an eye emergency will depend on the severity of the condition, proximity to services, and availability of care. Remember that eye emergencies are time-sensitive, and you should never delay care.
Locations for possible eye emergencies include:

An eye doctor: An eye doctor is a trained eye care specialist who is your best bet for emergency care for an eye injury or condition. Some eye doctors may have same-day appointments, and others may also offer emergency care outside of normal office hours.

The emergency room: If you cannot get an immediate appointment with an eye care specialist, go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency room services may differ depending on where you live. However, the emergency room may have an eye doctor available or on call who can help stabilize the condition.

Urgent care: An urgent care clinic is usually outside a hospital and may be able to provide rapid care if an emergency room is not nearby. Urgent care clinics are staffed with physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and physicians. They may be able to help treat non-vision-threatening injuries such as minor scratches, bruises, and swelling of the eyelid. However, urgent care clinics are often not equipped to handle true eye emergencies threatening vision.
​

Eye emergency care 

If you do sustain an eye injury, it is crucial to understand what to do and not to do. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if you have an eye injury, do:

• Place a cold compress over the eye to reduce swelling.
• For chemical splashes, rinse with cold water.
• If the eye is cut, cover it with a protective covering, such as the bottom section of a paper cup.

Do not

• Rub your eye
• Try to remove a foreign object
• Put medications into the eye
• Apply pressure to the eye

Remember, the most important thing you can do when you have an eye emergency is to stay calm and seek immediate medical attention. Getting treatment quickly can help diagnose the condition and lead to appropriate treatment. Waiting to get help for eye emergency can increase the risks of complications and possibly threaten your vision.

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.