The eyes are among the most vital organs in the body because they take in and process visual information. However, they are also very vulnerable to injury and infection. You can deal with some injuries at home, but many will require urgent medical attention. Not seeking attention following an incident can lead to partial or total loss of vision. Here are the most common eye emergencies that need urgent medical attention.
An accident can result in a cut or a puncture in your eye. This may result in pain, swelling, redness, or even light sensitivity. Do not assume that your eye will recover from the cut all on its own; you need to visit your eye doctor.
Most chemicals, like detergents, come with a warning label attached to the bottle. They advise the user to rinse the eye immediately with plenty of water if the chemical comes into contact with the eye. Some chemicals people use at home are extremely toxic and contact with the eye can result in vision loss if left unattended.
A change in your vision is a good reason to visit your eye doctor. If you suddenly have blind spots and cannot see with one or both eyes, you need to take action. Also, if you develop double vision or decreased vision, you should book an appointment as soon as possible.
Since the eyes are very sensitive, the presence of foreign bodies can lead to eye complications. It is possible to remove large foreign objects from your eyes, but smaller ones might require professional attention. Ignoring foreign bodies or using the wrong method to remove them may result in further damage.
A sudden change in the size of your pupils is reason enough to see your eye doctor. The change can be the result of trauma or an underlying condition. Therefore, the sooner your eye doctor evaluates the issue, the better it is for your eye health.
Red eyes accompanied by discharge is an indication of a problem. The worst thing you can do is assume that the problem will go away on its own. Visit your eye doctor for a complete evaluation and treatment of the problem.
Bulging of the eyes can be the result of an injury to the eye socket, abnormality in the eye vessels, a bacterial infection, or inflammation. If you notice any bulging, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible. If not properly treated, some of these infections can affect the brain.
Furthermore, experiencing any of the following should prompt you to book an appointment with your eye doctor:
Severe eye pain
Swelling or bleeding from the eye
Severe itching
Sensitivity to light
Discharge from the eyes
Bruising around the eye
To learn more about eye emergencies, contact Canterbury Vision Care in West Boylston, Massachusetts at (508) 854-0595 to book an appointment today!