Urgent Eye Care: Your Trusted Partner in Critical Moments
Eye emergencies can happen unexpectedly, making immediate care necessary for preserving eye health and vision. Our optometrists are here to guide you and offer appropriate treatments during eye emergencies.
When seconds count, trust Eyesite Optometry in Cerritos and Newport Coast to offer the swift, efficient care you need to preserve your vision and eye health
What to Do During an Eye Emergency
- Stay Calm: In any eye emergency, staying calm is essential, as panicking can worsen the situation.
- Assess the Situation: Determine the nature of the eye emergency so that you can respond appropriately.
- Flush with Water: Flushing the eye with clean water is recommended for foreign particles or chemical exposure. Use a gentle stream of water to rinse the eye, ensuring that the eye is facing down to avoid further irritation.
- Don’t Rub Your Eyes: Resist the urge to rub your eyes, especially when there's a foreign object or a potential injury, which can result in more damage.
- Protect the Eye: In cases of trauma or a penetrating foreign object, it’s key to protect the eye by covering it gently with a clean cloth or sterile bandage. You should also avoid putting pressure on the eye.
- Seek Professional Eye Care: Call emergency services or head to the nearest emergency room for severe emergencies, such as eye trauma or sudden vision loss. Otherwise, contact our office immediately for swift care.
Types of Eye Emergencies: Understanding the Urgency
We treat various eye emergencies, including:
- Foreign Object in the Eye: Commonly occurring at home or during outdoor activities, foreign objects like debris, dust, or small particles can cause discomfort and irritation.
- Corneal Abrasion: Commonly caused by fingernails, contact lenses, or foreign objects, a scratched cornea can be painful and may cause sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and sometimes an infection.
- Eye Infection: Infections like pink eye (conjunctivitis) can escalate quickly. Symptoms such as redness, discharge, and discomfort necessitate immediate medical attention to prevent the spread of infection.
Other eye emergencies we treat include chemical burns, sudden vision loss, eye trauma, and more.
What NOT to Do During an Eye Emergency
While waiting for professional medical assistance, avoiding actions that could exacerbate the situation is crucial. Here's what NOT to do:
- Do not touch or rub the injured eye
- Do not attempt to remove embedded objects
- Do not try to use dry cotton or sharp Instruments to remove foreign objects from your eyes
