understanding-common-eye-emergencies-and-when-to-seek-medical-attention

Accidents happen every day, and many of them require medical attention. Considering your routine and environment can help you understand the common injuries you are likely to encounter. If you ever find yourself in an eye emergency, knowing what to do can mean the difference between retaining your sight and blindness.

Trying to resolve an eye injury on your own might work for a few injuries. However, it is always best to visit an eye professional, even though the injury might not appear serious. Seeking medical attention is vital to regaining or maintaining proper sight.

What Are the Most Common Eye Emergencies?

Some eye emergencies are mild, while some are severe. However, an injury that seems simple could lead to vision impairment. Some common eye injuries include the following.

Trauma and Foreign Objects in the Eye

Trauma to the eye can result from abrasions, scratches, or blows to the eyes. Trauma can lead to retinal detachment, characterized by the disconnection of the eye from the retina. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.

Blurry vision and reduced peripheral vision.
Presence of spots in your vision and experiencing light sensitivity.
Photopsia (light flashes) in both or one eye.
The appearance of floaters (specks that drift through your field of vision).

In case of trauma that causes bleeding: If it is on the eyelid, wash the eyelid carefully and apply pressure with a clean cloth. Be careful not to put too much pressure on it, as the cut might be in the eye. For trauma that causes any swelling or bulging of the eye, seek medical help immediately.

Ocular Infections

Some common ocular infections are conjunctivitis, glaucoma, and microbial keratitis.

Conjunctivitis is usually a mild infection. It presents with inflammation and redness in the conjunctiva (the layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye). This condition is also referred to as red eye.
Glaucoma results from an abnormality in the eye’s drainage that causes fluid buildup and increased pressure. The increase in pressure can lead to vision loss. Symptoms of glaucoma include headaches, seeing rings around lights, intense pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Microbial keratitis is an infection that primarily affects contact lens users. It can also infect those who do not wear contacts if they have dry eye or an injury. Light sensitivity, eye discharge, pain, redness, and blurred vision are some symptoms that you can experience. It is best to seek medical care immediately if you present with symptoms, as these infections could lead to vision loss.

Chemical Injuries

Cleaning solutions, aerosols, liquids, and fumes can often get into your eyes. Symptoms like redness, irritation, tearing up, pain, swelling, and vision decline will present when this happens.

Flushing your eyes with clean water is an excellent first step toward solving the problem. No matter how mild you consider it, it would be best to visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible for any chemical exposure. If you can identify the chemical you were exposed to, note it and inform your doctor about it. Regular checkups will help keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy.

For more information on proper eye care, visit Appleseed Eyecare at our Fort Wayne or Syracuse, Indiana offices. Call (260) 432-5502 or (574) 457-4476 to schedule an appointment today.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/retinal-detachment/symptoms-causes/syc-20351344

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001620.htm