Our eyes are one of the most important organs in our body, and when something goes wrong, it can be extremely alarming. But how do you know if it’s something that can wait or if you need to get emergency eye care? In this article, we’ll list down a few scenarios in which it’s best to seek emergency eye care as soon as possible.
Eye Trauma
Eye trauma can be a very serious injury and requires immediate attention from a qualified eye care professional. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person should consider seeking emergency eye care if they experience any pain, vision loss, bleeding, swelling, redness, or if something is stuck in the eye. In some cases, even seemingly minor trauma can cause lasting damage to the eye, so it is vital to seek medical attention if the eye is injured in any way.
It is important to note that eye trauma can be caused by various things, including contact sports, accidents, and even medical procedures. If a person experiences any signs or symptoms of eye trauma, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additionally, it is crucial to protect the eye from further injury by avoiding activities that could cause further damage until a qualified eye care professional can assess the extent of the injury.
Chemical Burns or Splashes
Chemical burns or splashes to the eyes can be extremely serious and should not be taken lightly. If any chemical, whether it be a household cleaner, industrial chemical, or hazardous material, splashes into the eyes, it can cause serious damage and potential blindness. If any of these occur, it is important to seek emergency eye care right away. Even if the eyes appear to be undamaged, the chemical could still be doing damage on a deeper level that is not visible.
In the event of an eye chemical splash, it is important to flush the eyes out with lots of water as soon as possible. If the eye is swollen, red, or otherwise irritated, medical attention should be sought right away. A doctor can provide a thorough examination and treatment plan to ensure the eyes are not experiencing any further damage. If unable to get to a doctor, it is important to at least flush out the eye with water and keep it lubricated with a non-preserved artificial tear solution. In any case, it is important to be aware of the potential long-term effects of chemical splashes or burns to the eyes and to seek medical attention if necessary.
Sudden Change in Vision
Sudden changes in vision can be a sign of a serious eye condition and should not be ignored. Sudden vision changes can range from blurriness to complete vision loss in one or both eyes. Some of the most common causes of sudden vision changes include injury to the eye, infections, increased pressure in the eye, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and stroke. In some cases, a sudden vision change can be an indication of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm.
When it comes to sudden vision changes, it is important to seek emergency eye care if you experience any of the following symptoms: a sudden loss of vision, double vision, blurred vision, a curtain or veil over the eye, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, or a sudden appearance of a blind spot. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vision. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent permanent vision loss.
Final Thoughts
It is important to understand when it is necessary to seek emergency eye care. It’s best to be aware of symptoms such as severe eye pain, vision loss, eye redness, flashes of light, floaters, double vision, and swelling or bulging of the eye. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek emergency eye care in order to prevent any further damage. Additionally, any time an eye injury occurs, it is important to seek emergency eye care in order to prevent any further damage and ensure proper healing.
Receive emergency eye care at Southern Immediate Care. We are an urgent care center in Chelsea, AL, that treats a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. Our urgent care services are available with or without an appointment, and we strive to keep your visits under an hour. Schedule an appointment today!
