Eye Emergency Visit Specialist

What is Considered an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency is any situation where a foreign object or chemical enters the eye. It also applies to situations where the eye or the surrounding areas have been injured or burned. Patients should seek immediate medical attention for these situations and whenever there is swelling, pain, or redness in the eyes.

What Symptoms Are Associated with an Eye Emergency?

Contact the eye doctor if you feel you have something in your eye or if you experience:

• Loss of vision
• One eye not moving like the other
• Eye pain
• Burning or stinging
• Different sized pupils
• Bruising around eye
• Double vision
• Decrease in vision
• One eye is bulging or sticking out
• Redness and irritation
• Bleeding from eye
• Itching
• Headache
• Discharge from eye
• Light sensitivity
• Blood in white area of eye

With bleeding, sudden vision loss, swelling, or pain, a patient should visit the ER right away.

How Can I Prevent an Eye Emergency?

Though accidents and injuries can happen anywhere, there are steps you can take to avoid an eye emergency which include:

• Do not let your children play with projectile toys such as pellet guns and darts.
• Keep heated hair appliances, such as curling irons, away from the eyes.
• Wear protective eyewear when using tools, playing sports, or when you are near a situation where there will be flying objects.
• Follow the directions when using cleaning supplies and chemicals.
• Use caution when cooking with oil or grease.
• Keep your distance from fireworks and flame.
• Childproof the house by removing or cushioning sharp edges.
• Keep sharp instruments, knives, and scissors away from children and teach older kids to use the items the correct, safe way.