Visual health is an essential part of everyday life. Regular eye appointments, wearing prescription eyeglasses or contacts, and reducing screen time are a few ways that can help optimize healthy eyesight. However, accidents happen where you need immediate eye care.
Fortunately, an experienced emergency optometrist can help you with eye injuries or troubling symptoms. The optometrist can also refer you to a qualified surgeon if they cannot perform a specific treatment. Continue reading to learn more about emergency eye care treatment.
Eye emergencies occur when foreign objects or chemicals are in a patient's eyes or when they experience an eye injury or burn. In addition, those experiencing any swelling, redness, or discomfort in their eyes should seek medical attention. Untreated eye problems can lead to further damage, including partial vision loss and, in severe cases, permanent blindness.
There are many different types of eye emergencies. Each type of eye emergency has distinct symptoms. These symptoms may include the following:
Any of these symptoms indicate a medical emergency. A patient should seek professional treatment from an optometrist as soon as possible. Serious complications can happen if the patient attempts only to treat themselves at home.
This type of eye injury occurs after an individual gets burns from chemicals like cleaning products, garden chemicals, or industrial chemicals. It is also possible to sustain chemical burns from aerosols and fumes. While many chemical injuries are minor, alkaline products can permanently damage a patient's cornea.
When patients get chemicals in their eyes, they should flush them for ten to fifteen minutes. Do not cover the affected eye. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
When a patient sustains a cut or scratch to their eyeball or eyelid, they need urgent medical attention. To protect the injured area, the patient can apply a loose bandage. However, they should try not to apply any pressure, which can lead to more complications.
If a patient experiences something getting in their eye, it can lead to eye damage or loss of vision. However, the results will vary depending on the size of the object. If a patient gets something small, such as sand or dust, in their eye or on their eyelid, they should try to blink to see if the object clears, but they should not touch their eye with unwashed hands. Artificial tear drops and cool water can help rinse out the foreign body. If the irritation continues, contact the optometrist right away.
In comparison, a large foreign body that enters the eye at high speed can cause severe and permanent damage. These could be items such as glass, metal, and wood. The patient should seek immediate care and not touch or attempt to remove the object themselves.
If something hits a patient's eye, it can cause bleeding under the skin surrounding it, leading to discoloration, also known as a black eye. While a black eye is typically harmless, a sudden injury to the eye can potentially damage the inside of it. Even if the patient can see fine, they should seek medical care to ensure they did not sustain a long-term eye injury.
One of the most common eye infections that optometrists treat daily is pink eye, particularly in school-age children. It is often caused by viral infections, usually accompanied by yellow discharges from the eye. Optometrists can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
If the patient has a small foreign object in their eye and cannot safely remove it, the optometrist can rinse it out with water, wipe it away, or lift it out with a small instrument. In the case of a large foreign object, such as a shard of glass or metal, the optometrist will likely need to consult an experienced eye surgeon to remove the object to avoid further damage. Following a foreign object removal, the optometrist will likely prescribe the patient prophylactic antibiotic drops up to four times a day to prevent infection.
If someone suddenly loses vision quality, they will likely need emergency vision testing to prevent permanent damage. This reduction may be due to a corneal or retinal issue. An optometrist can perform vision tests to diagnose and treat the patient's vision before it worsens.
If you have an eye injury or are experiencing symptoms with your sight, seek professional care from an optometrist as soon as possible. Delaying emergency eye care treatment can cause further and, sometimes, permanent damage to your eyesight and vision health. Call our office at your earliest convenience so our team can help restore your sight and prevent further issues to your vision.
To learn more about emergency eye care in Dallas and the surrounding area, visit https://www.texasoptical.net or call (214) 771-7333 to see an optometrist as soon as possible.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Finding the right provider when typing “optometrist near me” into a search engine involves more than simply choosing the closest office. While location is important, the overall quality of care, services offered, and patient satisfaction can vary significantly. A thorough approach to selecting an optometrist ensures better eye health outcomes and a more comfortable experience.Not…
Cataract treatment becomes necessary when cataracts, which cloud the natural lens of the eye, begin to impair vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time, and many people may not notice its early signs. As the condition progresses, it can significantly impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and using digital devices. Identifying the early symptoms…
Itchy eyes can affect daily comfort and quality of life. Therefore, seeking the right itchy eye treatment can provide lasting relief and help avoid possible complications. It is helpful to understand what causes the issue and what to expect during an eye exam. Knowing the available treatment options can also make it easier to manage…
Dry eye treatment options range from simple artificial tears to sophisticated in-office technologies, and choosing the most effective approach starts with a clear understanding of why the tear film loses stability. An optometrist evaluates tear quantity, lipid balance, and ocular-surface integrity to build a personalized plan that restores comfort and sharp vision. An individualized strategy…
Finding the right provider when typing “optometrist near me” into a search engine involves more than simply choosing the closest office. While location is important, the overall quality of care, services offered, and patient satisfaction can vary significantly. A thorough approach to selecting an optometrist ensures better eye health outcomes and a more comfortable experience.Not…
Cataract treatment becomes necessary when cataracts, which cloud the natural lens of the eye, begin to impair vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time, and many people may not notice its early signs. As the condition progresses, it can significantly impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and using digital devices. Identifying the early symptoms…