You likely know that your eyes can have problems. They may fail to see well, suffer from pressure, and more. Even so, do you know what counts as an eye emergency? It’d be best for your peepers that you do. Not grasping when you have an urgent eye issue can threaten healthy vision. Luckily, your Belmont optometry practice can offer some guidance. Here’s a primer on the causes of eye emergencies, first aid for them, and when to see an optometrist.
Eye Emergencies & Their Causes
Some eye issues are worse than others. It’s the severe and sudden ones that count as eye emergencies.
Simply put, an eye emergency is when the eye suffers from a major irritant or injury. They often amount to having a foreign object or chemicals in your eyes. These emergencies can also occur from an injury or burn that affects the eye area.
Given the above, many causes exist for eye emergencies. Notable ones include cuts, scratches, burns, chemical exposure, and blunt trauma. Similarly, certain eye infections, blood clots, or glaucoma may need quick medical care.
First Aid for Eye Emergencies
Before you get professional care, it’s best to give your eye emergency some first aid. Consider the tips listed below:
- Flush Out Chemicals with Water – If your eyes are exposed to chemicals, turn your head so the injured eye is down and to the side. While holding the eyelid open, let running water from the faucet flush the eye for 15 minutes.
- Stop any Bleeding – If your eye is gravely injured, gently apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and stop bleeding. However, don’t use a lot of pressure.
- Bandage When Necessary – If the issue is a stuck object, loosely bandage both eyes. Covering them helps prevent eye movement. That way, the object isn’t made to further injure the eye.
When Should You See an Optometrist?
An eye emergency isn’t something that resolves on its own. Instead, you’ll need to see a qualified optometrist for help.
You can quickly tell when your eye needs proper treatment. You should see an optometrist if it’s been scratched, cut, or penetrated by an object. Likewise, you must get emergency medical care if the eye is painful, red, or bleeding, or if you’re dealing with vision changes. Unless treated, the eye damage could cause partial vision loss or even permanent blindness.
What counts as an eye emergency is no laughing matter. See your local optometrist at once if you’re facing urgent eye problems.
About the Practice
EyeSmile Dentistry and Optometry is based in Belmont, MA. Led by Drs. Salibian and Ajoian, our practice strives to give each patient quality dental and optical care. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as eye exams and emergency eye treatment. This range of services ensures your smile and eyes stay healthy and clear. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website and by phone at (617)-484-7869.