What to Do in Case of Emergency

Eye care emergencies can happen to anyone, even if you are careful and take every precaution. It is a good idea to know what to do during an emergency if you or someone you know experiences one.

Any type of eye care emergency should be addressed as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of damage or vision loss. An eye care emergency typically has to do with injuries to the eye or anywhere from the neck up.

If you are experiencing an eye care emergency, please come see an optometrist as soon as possible. If our office is not open, visit your nearest urgent care centre.

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Know the Signs

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor right away:

Sudden loss of vision
Suddenly different sized pupils
The movement of the eyes don’t match
One eye is sticking out or bulging
Sudden onset of eye pain
Sudden decreased vision
Double vision
Redness or irritation
Sensitivity to light
Bruising around the eye (black eye)
Bleeding in any part of the eye
Yellowy discharge
Severe itching
New or severe headaches
New Floaters
Flashing lights in vision

Causes of Eye Emergencies

Not every eye emergency is caused by a memorable injury.

Blunt trauma to the head or face
Chemical sprays, liquid, or aerosols
Liquid, steam, or heat burns
Objects in the eye
Cuts and scratches
Eye infections

Common Emergencies

Knowing what an eye care emergency is and how to handle it can save you stress in the future.

Blunt Trauma

Blunt trauma is the most common eye injury and can occur from getting a baseball in the eye or walking into an object. But you don’t need to be hit directly in the eye to experience a traumatic eye injury. Some injuries caused by blunt trauma can include retinal detachments, broken eye socket bones, iris injuries, and retinal tears.

Scratches & Abrasions

It’s not uncommon to experience a corneal scratch or abrasion. Tree branches, yardwork, workplace hazards, and other objects can come into contact with our eyes, causing uncomfortable scratches on the surface. Sand and dust can also cause damage to your eye if they get stuck in there.

Object in the Eye

If you can see something in your eye, don’t rub it. Seek medical attention from an eye doctor right away. Objects in the eye can lead to additional damage like scratches and abrasions if you rub them.

If you can’t see the object, rinse your eye with saline to try to remove it. If the sensation persists, see an optometrist.

Liquid & Chemical Burns

Household and workplace cleaners, aerosols, and fumes can get in your eyes causing chemical injuries. Liquids and hot steam can also cause damage if they make contact with your eyes. Burns can also be caused by heat sources like the sun, fire, and loose embers.

If you get a chemical in your eye, flush your eye with saline right away and seek medical attention.

Take Care of Your Eyes

Not every eye injury is obvious. If you experience any discomfort or changes in your vision, please seek medical assistance from an eye doctor as quickly as possible to prevent further damage or vision loss.