What Is Considered a True Eye Emergency?

It can be tempting to dismiss an injury or ailment and assume it will go away tomorrow. However, that is not always the best course of action. Seeking immediate medical attention is especially important in cases involving vital organs such as the eyes.

Dismissal of the issue and procrastination may have grave long-term consequences, such as permanent vision loss. It is always better to take necessary action and seek immediate medical attention.

The following constitute a true eye emergency:

Sudden Changes in Vision or Vision Loss

It is critical to notify your eye doctor or optician if you notice any issues in your vision. That is because sudden vision changes can indicate various severe conditions. These include retinal or corneal damage, nerve damage, stroke, temporal arteritis, and corneal swelling or infection.

These conditions, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. Floating spots within the eye, flashing lights, fever, and pain in the head and temples are all warning signs, as is corneal infection or swelling. If you notice any unusual changes in your vision, it is always best to be cautious and seek medical attention.

Traumatic Eye Injury

Traumatic eye injuries frequently result from an object entering the eye. If left untreated, they can cause severe complications, such as permanent vision loss. Light sensitivity, redness, double vision, pain, and swelling are all symptoms of a severe eye injury. Eye burns also require immediate treatment by a specialist.

Consult an eye doctor if you are experiencing severe eye pain or vision loss. Do not try to clean the injured eye or remove any foreign objects embedded in the eye. Instead, use a firm shield to cover the eye and seek treatment from an eye doctor or physician as soon as possible.

Foreign Bodies or Chemical Burns

If chemicals get into your eyes, you should flush them out for at least 15 minutes with clean water or saline. Remove your contact lenses if you are wearing them before flushing your eye. Do not apply any other substances or bandage your eye.

If a foreign particle gets into your eye, try not to rub your eye. Instead, seek medical attention right away. The object could cause severe eye damage if not removed properly.

Red Eyes

If you have redness in your eye accompanied by discharge, you should see an eye doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics for this problem. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is prevalent in young kids and is frequently viral and contagious.

Since viruses cause approximately 80 percent of acute infectious pink eye cases, it is critical to seek treatment as soon as possible. Pink eye can result from uveitis or ocular herpes in rare instances, leading to blindness if not treated promptly. It is best to have the problem evaluated by a specialist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Bulging Eyes

Various conditions can cause the eyes to bulge. These include eye socket injury, Graves' disease, and blood vessel damage behind the eyes. Eye socket problems such as tumors, inflammation, and bacterial infections can also cause bulging eyes. Whatever the cause, it is critical to seek immediate treatment.

Bottom Line

You should consult a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms. If you cannot see an eye doctor immediately, go to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation and treatment.

For more on eye emergencies, visit Wiregrass Eyecare of Ozark at our Ozark, Alabama office. Call (334) 443-1260 to schedule an appointment today.