Eye Emergencies
When to Seek Medical Care
Any time the eye is injured, it needs to be evaluated by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. In general, if you are not sure if you have a serious eye injury, call Dr. Abney to talk about it or come in immediatey so he can look at your eyes.
Calling your optometrist may be helpful in the following circumstances:
Subconjunctival hemorrhage: If you are not sure that you have this condition, your optometrist may be able to help with the diagnosis. This condition does not require immediate medical attention.
Foreign Body injury: Objects like metal, wood shavings, debris, or any other flying particles can find their way into the eye. These need to be treated immediately to reduce the risk of damage to the eye. See the image above of a metal foreign body with rust ring.
Eye Emergencies that Require Immediate Treatment:
Chemical exposures: If the substance was known to be caustic, immediate medical evaluation by either an optometrist,ophthalmologist or in the emergency department is needed, regardless of symptoms. Acids and alkalis are the worst and require immediate attention. If the substance is not dangerous, such as soap or suntan lotion, a visit to the emergency department is not necessary, but a visit to the optometrist's office may be helpful to alleviate any remaining symptoms. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
Lacerations: Cuts that affect the eyelid margins (where the eyelashes are) or the eyeball itself need immediate medical attention. Foreign bodies that are not removed with gentle washing should be evaluated by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Sudden Loss of Vision: Dimming vision, blackouts, partial or complete vision loss all require immediate evaluation. Many things can cause these symptoms but only an evaluation by your eye doctor can determine the cause. Sometimes, life-threatening conditions manifest themselves by vision loss, so immediate action is needed in order to save vision and life. Strokes, retina detachments, artery and vein occlusions and bleeding in and around the eye can cause sudden vision loss.
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