If you injure your eye, it is vital to get emergency care. Prompt treatment can help save your sight or prevent eye damage. If you experience eye pain, swelling or redness, seek immediate medical attention. With millions of eye injuries occurring each year, it helps to know what you need to do in an emergency. Here are common eye emergencies and what to do.


 

Eye Cuts or Scratches

If you have a pet around the home, you may have experienced the scratches that they can inflict on your face. Babies and toddlers love to explore and touch faces, and they can also leave damage. Your reflexes may cause you to shut your eyes, but you can still receive some injuries. You can treat minor eyelid cuts at home, but deeper cuts require emergency care. 


 

Chemical Eye Injuries

Chemical eye injuries occur when an acid or alkali substance enters the eye. The liquid, gas, or powder can injure the ocular surface. It can cause burning, pain, tearing, and blurred vision. It can also lead to swelling of the upper and lower lids. The severity of the injury will depend on the chemical and how long it remains on the ocular surface. Emergency care is vital after a chemical injury. 


 

Mechanical Eye Injuries

Mechanical injuries occur when there is a laceration or rupture to the cornea or sclera. Blunt force trauma to the eye can result in a bruised eyelid, usually known as a black eye. The trauma can occur after a car accident, during a sporting activity, at work, or when working around the home. 

The injury leads to dark bruising and swelling that can subside in a week or two. A visit to the eye doctor at Insight Eyecare will help ensure that the injury does not worsen. 


 

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Bleeding of the sclera can leave the eye looking red for weeks. A scratch causes injury to the white part of the eye. It is a common injury that requires emergency care. Delay in treatment can lead to loss of vision. 


 

Foreign Objects in the Eye

If a small object gets into the eye, it can cause corneal abrasion and may result in loss of vision. Dust or sand can cause irritation and some damage. If the object is sharp, like glass or a metal shard, it can cause damage. Sometimes, blinking can help dislodge the object, but it is vital to avoid rubbing the eye. Flushing the eye with water can also help. 


 

Punctured Eyeball

If a sharp object penetrates the eye, it can result in a punctured eyeball. A large object such as a stick or metal piece can cause injury. If the object is stuck in the eye, leave it in place until you get to the emergency room. Trying to dislodge it can cause further injury. A punctured eyeball is a medical emergency, and you need to visit the doctor. 

If you get eye injuries, you should avoid trying to treat yourself. Do not put medication in your eye without the doctor's advice. You can use clean water to flush out the eye, but avoid rubbing the eye. Visit the emergency room as soon as possible. Eye injuries can occur anywhere, so it is crucial to wear protective eyewear when in a high-risk situation. 

For more on common eye emergencies and what to do, visit Insight Eyecare at our office in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can call (702) 718-7163 today to schedule an appointment.