What is an Eye Emergency?
An eye emergency refers to anything that poses a risk of permanent damage to your eyes or vision.
The most common types of eye emergencies include:
- Eye infection
- Foreign object stuck in the eye
- Eye trauma
- Scratch on the eye
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Lost contact lens in the eye
- Shattered eyeglass lenses
- Sudden appearance of light flashes or floaters
Is an Eye Infection an Emergency?
While an eye infection like conjunctivitis (pink eye) usually does not require emergency eye care, it is important to see your eye doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have an eye infection.
Symptoms That Require Emergency Eye Care
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden double vision
- Sudden eye pain
- New onset of light flashes and/or floaters
- Foreign body in the eye
- Chemicals in the eye
- Swelling or pain after eye surgery
What to Do if Something Gets Into Your Eye?
A foreign object can range from an eyelash or speck of sand to a metal shard, blade of grass, or piece of wood. Regardless of the object, it must be promptly removed to reduce the risk of serious injury or infection.
Keep in mind that the eyes are extremely delicate, and if you are unsure how to remove the foreign object safely, you may end up with sight-threatening complications. Therefore, it is always best to seek urgent eye care if you are unable to flush out the foreign object with water or saline solution.
If you suspect that a foreign object has penetrated your eye or notice any blood or discharge from your eye, contact your eye doctor immediately. After explaining what occurred, your eye doctor may advise you to go to an emergency room.
What To Do If You Have an Eye Emergency?
Contact Stanislaus Optometric Center in Modesto for an emergency eye care appointment. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms qualify as an emergency, call us anyway — delaying treatment can put you at risk of serious complications that can result in vision loss.
Until you see your eye doctor or seek urgent care:
- Avoid pressing on or rubbing an injured eye
- Refrain from removing a foreign body on your own
- Do not use dry cotton (including cotton swabs) or sharp instruments (such as tweezers) on the eye
- Don’t attempt to remove an embedded object
Call our office in Modesto for further instructions. We are here to help you!
