Common Eye Emergencies and what to do

Any and all eye emergencies should first be evaluated at the eye doctor, not an urgent care or emergency room.

Chemical Burns

Causes: Exposure to harmful chemicals like cleaning agents, industrial chemicals, or even beauty products such as eyelash glue
Symptoms: Any amount of pain, redness, blurred vision, burning sensation, swelling, and tearing.
What to Do: Immediately flush the eye with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Tilt the head so water flows away from the unaffected eye. Seek emergency medical eye care right away.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Causes: Dust, sand, metal, glass, or other small particles getting into the eye.
Symptoms: Discomfort, redness, tearing, and the sensation of something in the eye.
What to Do: Avoid rubbing the eye. Try flushing it gently with saline or clean water to remove the object. If the object is sharp, embedded, or does not come out with gentle rinsing, seek immediate medical eye care attention
Eye Trauma or Injury
Causes: Blunt force (like getting hit by a ball or fist), penetrating injuries (like glass or metal), or accidents during sports or work.
Symptoms: Pain, bruising, redness, double vision, sensitivity to light, or bleeding in or around the eye.
What to Do: Do not apply pressure. Seek medical eye care attention IMMEDIATELY.

Sudden Loss of Vision

Causes: Retinal detachment, stroke affecting the visual centers, or other serious conditions.
Symptoms: Sudden, painless loss of vision, partial or total blindness, or vision appearing as if a curtain is drawn across the eye.
What to Do: Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency. Go to the nearest emergency room or eye doctor without delay. Early intervention can help save vision.

Flashes and Floaters

Causes: Retinal detachment or tear, which can occur due to aging, trauma, high myopia or certain medical conditions.
Symptoms: Seeing flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters (small spots in your vision), or a shadow or curtain over part of your vision.
What to Do: Seek prompt attention from your eye doctor. Retinal detachment requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Early detection can be important in preventing permanent vision loss.

Eye Infections (Severe or Sudden Onset)

Causes: Bacterial or viral infections, particularly serious with contact lens wearers or after eye surgery.
Symptoms: Redness, swelling, pain, discharge, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
What to Do: Seek medical eye care if symptoms are severe or worsening, especially if you wear contact lenses. Some infections, like corneal ulcers, need urgent treatment to prevent scarring and vision loss.

General Tips for Eye Emergencies

Don’t Rub the Eye: Rubbing can cause further damage or push foreign objects deeper into the eye.
Avoid Self-Treatment: Eye emergencies are sensitive situations that can worsen with improper handling. Seek professional help as soon as possible.
Protect the Eye: If possible, cover the injured eye with a shield without applying pressure directly onto the eye unless directed by an eye care professional
Contact Lens Caution: Remove contact lenses if you’re experiencing irritation, pain, or an infection.

Preventing Eye Emergencies

Wear Protective Eyewear: Whether you’re working with chemicals, operating machinery, or playing sports, wear eye protection to prevent injury.
Handle Chemicals with Care: Always follow safety instructions for handling chemicals and avoid touching your eyes if chemicals are present on your hands.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: This is particularly important if you wear contact lenses or are in environments with dust, sand, or particles.
Regular Eye Check-Ups: Routine eye exams can help identify conditions early, allowing for preventive care before they become emergencies.

The doctors at Avant Eyes in Porter Ranch are trained to treat and manage eye emergencies. Please call 818 900 5650 for immediate assistance. Follow the prompts if you are calling after hours to reach the doctor directly.

Call/Text: 818 900 5650

Meet the eye doctor trained and ready to provide emergency services at Avant Eyes:

Meet Dr. Kataria