Eye injuries can occur in various settings like school, the workplace, home, or during travel, with sports activities being a common cause. Certain professions, like construction, also pose risks for eye emergencies.
Eye Emergencies
Our eye doctors handle a range of eye emergencies, including:
- Chemical exposure
- Concussion
- “Floaters” in the vision
- Dislodged contact lenses
- Eye infections
- Eye trauma
- Flashes of light in the vision
- Foreign materials stuck in the eyes
- Lost or broken contact lenses or eyeglasses
- Pink eye
- Red or painful eyes
- Scratched eyes
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Uncomfortable, itchy, or irritated eyes
If you experience any of these issues, seeking prompt medical attention is important to protect your vision and eye health.
Causes
Eye emergencies can be caused by a variety of ways. Common causes include:
- Chemical exposure
- Foreign materials stuck in eye
- Eye infections
- Dislodged contact lenses
Pink Eye
Eye infections are a common and sometimes serious eye emergency, often contagious depending on the type of infection. One of the most prevalent eye infections is conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye.” This occurs when the conjunctiva, a thin membrane lining the eyelids and sclera (the white part of the eye), becomes inflamed or swollen. This condition usually causes the sclera to turn dark pink or red, making the eyes watery with a mucus discharge.
Many cases of “pink eye” are contagious and spread quickly, especially among children in daycare and schools. Fortunately, most eye infections can be treated effectively with antibiotic eye drops or ointment, which typically clear up the infection quickly. In more severe cases, our optometric team may recommend an alternative course of action to ensure proper treatment and recovery.
Treatment
Treatment for an eye emergency depends on the cause. If you think you’re experiencing an eye emergency, contact your eye doctor right away. Quick action can save your vision. Our team is well-equipped to assess the situation and provide the care you need.