Eye Emergencies: When You Should See an Eye Doctor Immediately
Not all eye problems are emergencies, but some can be very serious. An eye emergency is any situation that could lead to vision loss if you do not seek immediate treatment. This includes cuts, scratches, something stuck in the eye, burns, chemical splashes, or being hit in the eye. Sudden changes in vision are also emergencies, even if there is no injury. If any of these happen, seek medical help right away.
Eye Emergencies That Need Immediate Care
- Sudden Vision Loss
If your vision goes dark, blurry, or disappears in one or both eyes, do not wait. This can be a sign of a blocked blood vessel, detached retina, or stroke.
- Chemical in the Eye
If a chemical gets in your eye, treat it as an emergency. Cleaning products, garden chemicals, and industrial solvents can cause lasting damage in just minutes. Rinse your eye with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then go to the emergency room.
- Object Stuck in the Eye
If something is stuck in your eye, do not try to take it out yourself. Trying to remove it can make things worse. Cover your eye loosely with a paper cup or gauze and seek medical help.
- Cut or Scratch on the Eye
If you see a cut on your eye or eyelid, do not wash it or press on it. Cover your eye loosely with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. Get emergency medical help as soon as possible.
- Blow to the Eye
A strong hit to the eye can cause damage inside, even if the outside looks normal. If you feel pain, notice vision changes, or see blood in your eye after being hit, get checked by a doctor right away.
- Blood in the Eye
If you notice blood collecting inside the front of your eye or see blood coming from your eye, this is a serious injury. Get emergency care immediately.
- Sudden Double Vision
If you suddenly start seeing double, it could be a sign of a stroke or a nerve problem. Do not ignore this symptom.
- New Floaters or Flashes
If you suddenly see a lot of floaters, such as specks or cobwebs, or flashes of light in your side vision, it could mean you have a detached retina. This needs urgent medical attention.
- Severe Eye Pain
Sudden, severe eye pain, especially if you also feel nauseous or have a headache, can be a sign of acute glaucoma or another serious problem.
- Pupils That Are Not Equal
If one of your pupils suddenly becomes larger than the other and does not respond to light, see a doctor immediately.
- Swollen Eyelid With Fever
If your eyelid is red and swollen, and you have a fever, it could be a serious infection. Do not wait, get help right away.
What to Do in an Eye Emergency
If you have an eye emergency, do not rub or press on your eye. Rubbing can make the injury worse. Also, never try to pull an object out of your eye. Leave it where it is and get medical help right away.
Do not use tweezers, cotton swabs, or anything else on your eye. Only a doctor should remove anything from the eye itself. If chemicals get into your eye, flush with cool water for at least fifteen minutes. Then seek emergency care immediately.
For cuts or scratches, do not wash the eye. Gently cover it with a clean cloth and go to the doctor. If you have been hit in the eye, apply a cold compress. Do not press hard on the eyeball; be gentle. Then get medical help right away.
No matter the emergency, do not delay. Get help immediately to protect your vision.
To learn more about eye emergencies, visit Takhar Eye Care. Our office is in Bakersfield, California. Call (661) 397-2020 to schedule an appointment.
https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/eye-emergencies
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