Expert Eye Emergency Care in Thomasville
An eye emergency is a situation that poses a threat to your eye health and vision, potentially leading to lasting damage. Common instances of eye emergencies include:
- Eye infections
- Foreign objects lodged in the eye
- Eye injuries
- Corneal abrasions (eye scratches)
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Broken eyeglass lenses
- Sudden onset of light flashes or floaters
What To Do in an Eye Emergency
Eye emergencies can occur unexpectedly, making it crucial to be prepared when you or a loved one requires urgent eye care.
First and foremost, it's essential not to panic. Maintaining a composed demeanor helps you think clearly and reassures those around you.
Next, refrain from attempting to assess the severity of an eye injury on your own. Instead, contact your trusted eye doctor for guidance on handling your situation. At Eason Eye Care, we recognize the importance of ocular emergencies and can assist you anytime.
In many cases, rushing to an emergency room for eye emergencies may not be necessary. Research has shown that most individuals seeking urgent eye care in an emergency room could have received appropriate treatment from an optometrist.
However, your judgment is best. If you believe a trip to the nearest emergency room is warranted, do not delay seeking immediate attention.
Is an Eye Infection an Emergency?
While infections like pink eye usually aren't an urgent emergency, it's important to see your eye doctor as soon as possible if you think you have it. They can diagnose it and give you the proper treatment.
Immediate Care for Foreign Objects in the Eye
A foreign object in your eye can be as small as an eyelash or a grain of sand or something more substantial like metal, grass, or wood. Regardless of its size or nature, it's essential to remove it quickly to avoid the risk of serious injury or infection.
Our eyes are incredibly delicate, and trying to remove a foreign object without knowing the right way can lead to severe sight-threatening issues. That's why it's best to seek immediate eye care if you can't wash out the object with water or saline solution.
If you believe a foreign object has entered your eye or you see any signs like blood or unusual discharge, contact your eye doctor immediately.
After explaining what happened, your eye doctor may recommend visiting the emergency room.
Treatment for Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion is a painful eye injury that occurs when the clear, protective outer layer of the eye, known as the cornea, is scratched or damaged. These injuries can happen due to various reasons, such as foreign objects, fingernail scratches, or exposure to irritants like sand or dust.
If you suspect a corneal abrasion, seeking immediate attention from an eye care professional is crucial. Attempting to self-diagnose or treat a corneal abrasion can lead to complications and worsen the injury.