Top Signs of Eye Emergencies

Eye emergencies are generally classified into two: injury and those cases caused by clinical conditions. They’re not only very terrifying to experience, but they can be sight-threatening too. True eye emergencies need immediate medical attention. Without proper treatment, eye emergencies can result in partial or permanent vision loss. Depending on the individual circumstance, the following are often the top signs that should prompt you to seek urgent care:

• Bleeding

• Eye pain

• Vision loss

• Double vision

• Blurred vision

• Eye discharge

• Loss of peripheral vision

• Severe sensitivity to light

• Red, swollen, or bulging eye

• Sudden onset or increase in eye flashes, black spots, or floaters

First Aid for Common Eye Injuries

Eye emergencies generally cover a wide range of incidents and conditions. But experts observed that most cases occur due to accidents. Accidents often mean that something has gotten in your eye. But burns and eye injuries are also worth getting checked by your doctor.


Here are some of the common eye injuries and how you can tend to them to prevent eye damage or long-term loss of vision:

 

Blows to the Eye 

One way to treat a black eye is by applying a cold compress. To make a homemade cold compress, grab a clean washcloth as well as a plastic bag of ice. Then, wrap the bag of ice with the cloth. As an alternative, you may dampen the fabric with cold water and wring out all excess water. Lay down, close your eyes, then place the cold compress on your eyelids. Apply gentle pressure. Exposing your eyelids to a cold compress for too long may put you at risk of frostbite. So, use the compress for five to 10 minutes at a time. Just rest in-between applications.

Cut or Puncture to the Eye

Objects flying from any tool may strike the eye. These objects can cut or puncture your eyeball. This kind of injury always needs emergency help. As soon as you’ve called your doctor, ensure that you avoid any further damage. Don’t attempt to wash the injured eye or eyelid. Never attempt to remove the object embedded in the eye either. If possible, try to shield the eye area with a pad of cotton wool. You may also cover your eye with a rigid, circular object, such as a cut-out bottom of a paper cup. This will help protect your injured eye from inadvertent rubbing. Just affix the protecting covering with a piece of tape. Go to the emergency room at once.

Foreign Body Stuck in the Eye

A foreign body is any object found in your eye that’s not supposed to be there. Common examples include a grain of sand, a speck of dust, a metal shaving, a piece of glass, or a wood chip. These particles are often found on the eye surface or under the eyelid. While your first instinct may be to rub your eye to get rid of the foreign body, try your best to resist this urge, as rubbing can do more harm than good. If the object is embedded in your eye, don’t try to remove it. If it’s not penetrating your eye, you may try to flush it out. Another option is to use a dampened cotton swab to remove the object that’s not embedded.

Any obvious trauma or sudden onset of symptoms that affect vision is alarming. Visit our team of experts in Seabert Eye Care for any eye emergency. Call our office now in Burleson, Texas, for urgent eye care.

Learn more about eye emergencies & when to be seen, contact Seabert Eye Care in Burleson, Texas at (817) 857-8700 to request an appointment today!