How To React To An Eye Emergency

Eye emergencies often happen when we least expect them, but knowing what to do if a problem arises can sometimes make the difference between losing and preserving our eyesight. To help you make the right call when it matters most here is how to react to an eye emergency.

What To Do If You Get Chemicals In Your Eye

Chemical burns are one of the most common eye emergencies that we see in our clinic, and many people are surprised to learn just how easily they occur. Some chemical burns affecting the eyes happen directly, such as having the nozzle of a can of hairspray facing towards you rather than away from you when you depress the button. However, in many instances, chemical burns are caused by transfer. This is where you get a chemical, such as a nail polish remover or bleach on your hands and then touch your eyes.

Unsurprisingly, the more chemical that gets onto the surface of the eyes, the more painful it is likely to be. The risk of damage to your eyes increases too. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you always wear safety glasses when handling a toxic substance. Nevertheless, if you do get chemicals in your eye, you can help limit any potential damage by rinsing your eye/s under running water immediately. It would be best if you continued to do this for at least 15/20 minutes. This will help to flush out as many chemicals as possible before you visit your eye doctor. If you have someone with you, get them to contact your emergency eye doctor while you do this, and they will provide further instructions.

What To Do In The Event Of Blunt Force Trauma To The Eye

The eyes are very delicate and even a blunt force trauma has the potential to do significant damage to your eyes and your sight. The severity of the pain and the effects that you experience are likely to be affected by the strength of the impact. For example, a soft cushion hitting you in the eye won’t be as concerning as a baseball traveling at speed doing the same thing.

If you experience a blunt force trauma to the eye, apply a cold compress to the area right away, but avoid placing pressure directly onto the eye. You can also take pain medications to help counteract the swelling and inflammation and keep you comfortable. However, if it gets extremely sore, you notice bruising, bleeding, pain when you move your eye or changes in your vision, you should consult with your eye doctor right away.

What To Do If You Experience Lacerations Or A Penetrating Injury

Even cuts and scratches to the eye can be extremely painful and have long-term consequences for your vision. These are typically caused by getting something like sawdust or grit in your eye and rubbing too hard. If you experience lacerations or a penetrating injury, such as something sticking out of the eye, it’s no time for amateur first aid. Never try and remove a penetrating object. Instead, cover the eye with a shield, such as a paper cup, and get to your emergency eye doctor for professional help right away.

Sudden Vision Changes

Sometimes eye emergencies don’t seem to be a result of a noticeable trauma or injury. Instead, they can creep up and cause sudden changes to your vision that are indicative of a major problem. This includes the appearance of flashes or floaters or a dark curtain across your field of vision. You may or may not experience severe eye pain too. If you notice any sudden changes in your usual vision, you should speak to your eye doctor right away.

If you would like more advice on how to react to an eye emergency, or if you have any concerns about your vision, visit Manheim Family Eye Care in Manheim, PA. Call (717) 423-8400 today.