Eye emergencies can be scary to deal with and come out of nowhere. In some cases, they can lead to permanent vision loss if you don’t seek treatment quickly enough. However, if you’ve never had an eye emergency before, you may be wondering what qualifies as an eye emergency.
Everyone should know the signs of eye emergencies because getting emergency eye care quickly is crucial to protecting your vision and avoiding complications. In this blog, we’ll take a look at different eye emergencies you should be aware of so that you can get the eye care you need the most.
1. Sudden vision loss
If you suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes, you should visit your eye doctor or the emergency room right away. Sudden vision loss can be a sign of serious conditions like retinal detachment or a blockage in the blood vessels that carry blood away from your retina.
2. Eye trauma and injuries
Eye trauma and injuries can occur at any time and require immediate attention from an eye doctor. If something gets stuck in your eye or you have any sort of eye injury, it is important to reach out to an eye doctor right away. Quick treatment can prevent further damage and protect your vision.
3. Eye infections
Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), can be highly contagious and shouldn’t be ignored. If you experience symptoms like redness, itching, excessive tearing, discharge, or sensitivity to light, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and keep your eyes healthy.
4. Flashing lights and floaters
If you start seeing flashing lights and floaters in your vision, it could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. When the retina detaches, it can also create a dark shadow, like a curtain or veil, in your peripheral or side vision. Eventually, this can lead to blindness. A retinal tear or detachment is a serious issue, and urgent treatment is necessary to prevent vision loss.
5. Chemical burns
Household and cleaning products, including soap and polishes, often contain harmful chemicals that can get into your eyes and lead to chemical burns. If you get chemicals in your eye and start having symptoms like pain, redness, blurred vision, or excessive tearing, quickly rinse your eyes with clean water and get medical assistance. Acting fast can help minimize the damage and prevent any long-term issues.
Should you visit the ER for eye emergencies?
When faced with an eye emergency, your first instinct may be to head straight to the emergency room. However, many eye emergencies can be handled by your eye doctor. At Lawrenceville Family Eyecare, we have the expertise to treat a wide range of eye emergencies. Whether you experience sudden vision loss, eye injuries, infections, retinal issues, or chemical burns, our team is here for you! We’re experts in providing prompt and professional care to preserve your vision and prevent further issues. If you’re looking for emergency eye care in Lawrenceville, give us a call today!
Remember, never hesitate to contact your eye doctor or go to the emergency room if you think something’s wrong. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your eyesight!
