Common Eye Emergencies and How to Respond

The American Academy of Ophthalmology confirms that many people go through eye emergencies. The cases may involve injuries to the eyes or the surrounding tissues. Knowing what to do during an eye emergency can save your eye or vision. Here are the details to know when responding to common eye emergencies.

For a Scratched Eye

This eye emergency can happen when something brushes against your eye. The first step is to rinse the eye with a saline solution or water. Doing so will clear the debris. After rinsing, you may still feel as if something is lodged in your eye. 

Do not rub your eye because this will worsen the damage. Wear sunglasses if you experience light sensitivity. This can help reduce discomfort and tearing. Apply eyedrops to reduce inflammation and prevent infections.

For a Black Eye

A black eye is a painful eye injury that turns the surrounding tissues blue, purple, or swollen. The impact that causes a black eye leads to internal eye damage. It may detach the retina or cause other types of structural damage to the eye. That is why this type of eye emergency needs immediate treatment. 

Placing an ice pack over the affected eye can reduce pain and swelling. Alternatively, use a bag of frozen meat or peas. This can stop the bleeding inside the eye. Go to the eye doctor right away to receive proper treatment for your black eye. You must rush to your eye doctor if you notice different size pupils, double vision, bleeding from the eye, and vision loss or decreased vision. 

For a Cut or Puncture to the Eyelid or Eye

This is a serious eye injury that compromises the health of your eye and vision. Make a shield out of the bottom of a paper cup to the bones and place it around the affected eye. If an object is stuck to the eye, do not remove it. Protect the entire eye, including the object, until you make it to your eye doctor. Do not attempt to rinse the eye. If it is bleeding, do not apply pressure to it. Do not even take any medications, such as aspirin, for pain. These medications can worsen the bleeding. 

For a Foreign Object

A foreign object can be as small as a grain of sand or as visible as a piece of glass. It is crucial not to rub the affected eye. This could push the object further into your eye. Wash your hands first and look at your eye. Look under your upper eyelid or behind the lower eyelid. You can flush the object with cool water or saline eye drops. See your eye doctor if the situation does not improve. 

For a Chemical Injury

Corrosive chemicals can damage the soft tissues of the eyes. Make sure to rinse your eye with clean water right away. Do this for at least 15 minutes after contact with the chemical. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after flushing your eye. Bring the chemical that caused the injury to the eye doctor or emergency room. This will help your eye doctor determine the right treatment.

Common eye emergencies need quick and proper attention so you can regain your eye health right away. At Advanced Vision Family Eye Care, we provide patients quality eye care products and services. Please visit our clinic in Bellingham, Washington, for an in-person consultation. Call 360-526-0075 to set an appointment or inquire about our eye emergency services.