Emergency Eye Care

The eyes may become easily damaged due to physical trauma, penetration of foreign objects, or chemicals. When this happens, seeking appropriate medical attention is key since leaving these issues unattended may lead to irreversible vision damage.

The eye is made up of the following structure:

Pupil controls the amount of light that enters the eye
Lens that is in charge of focusing light
Vitreous which is the gel-like substance that fills the eye
Retina captures light
Macula, which is inside the retina and offers fine details of the image
Optic Nerve receives information from the retina and sends it to the brain
Lacrimal Glands, which are in charge of producing tears.

Common Eye Emergencies

Some of the most common eye emergencies include the following:

Eye Trauma due to physical injuries
Chemical burns
Cuts and scratches due to dust, sand, or debris
Penetration from foreign objects
Retinal Detachment
Conjunctivitis

When to See a Doctor

An eye injury may not appear to be an emergency right away. However, if you notice any of the following signs, it is important to call your eye doctor immediately:

Bleeding from or around the eye
Bruising
Blurred or loss of vision in one eye or both
Double vision (diplopia)
Uneven pupil size
Light sensitivity
Stinging or burning feeling in the eye

Treatment for Eye Emergencies

Depending on the damage extent and the kind of injury suffered, your doctor will help you determine the best treatment for you. These may range from the following:

Eye irrigation to remove foreign objects or debris causing pain
Eye surgery to restore any damage caused by physical trauma or a chemical burn
Antibiotics to deal with conjunctivitis or any other eye disease

Post-surgery Recovery

If your doctor has suggested eye surgery as the best treatment plan, recovery time will be determined by the specific procedure. Most treatments are minimally-invasive, and patients usually return to regular activities within a matter of days. Full recovery may take up to six weeks.

What to Do in Case of an Eye Emergency

Following the next steps could help reduce the damage extents in case of an emergency:

Remain calm and identify all the symptoms to determine whether you need medical assistance
Cover the eye to avoid further damage
Do not rub or touch the eye and the area surrounding it
Keep your eye closed
Do not try to remove any foreign object in case of penetration
Do not automedicate
In case any of the signs mentioned above appears, call your doctor immediately

How to Prevent Eye Injuries

To prevent eye injuries from happening, we recommend wearing protective eyewear during any activity that may potentially cause an eye injury, like manual work, cooking, or sports. Also, when handling dangerous chemicals, it is crucial to use safety precautions and read the instructions carefully.

If you are spending time outdoors on a sunny day, be mindful of protecting your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses. Make sure to take breaks from screen time to rest your eyes.

Lastly, visit your eye doctor regularly for constant check-ups to detect any irregular issues and promptly start a treatment plan.

Access High-Quality Corneal Services in New York

EyesNY offers multiple treatment options to help patients slow or stop the progression of corneal diseases. Our specialized team of ophthalmologists is ready to assess your needs and give you the high-quality vision care you deserve.

We work with cutting-edge technology to identify the root cause of your condition and create personalized treatment plans. Our caring staff is ready to welcome you and meet your ocular health and vision needs. We offer comprehensive eye care, including eye emergency services.

If you’d like a consultation or more information, contact us or request an appointment online. You can also visit any of our clinic locations around New York, including Malta, Clifton Park, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Queensbury.