There is a wide variety of eye emergencies. They include cuts, scratches, burns, objects in the eye, and medical conditions. They can occur any time, anywhere, and need immediate medical attention. Otherwise, they could lead to vision loss.

Get medical attention even for injuries affecting the eyelid. Such problems can lead to complications in the eye.

Cuts and Scratches

These types of eye emergencies can lead to corneal complications. Therefore, you need urgent medical care. You can put a loose bandage over the eye to restrain you from touching or rubbing it. Do not apply pressure to the eye. It could make the injury worse.

A Black Eye

It is usually the result of a blow to the eye or the area surrounding it. The hit causes bleeding under the skin, resulting in the black eye. The injury can damage the inside of the eye or result in a skull fracture. It is always a good idea to see your doctor when you have this kind of injury. It will prevent worse complications. Typically, your eye will return to its usual coloring within a week or two.

Chemicals in the Eye

Some household or garden chemicals can end up in your eye. Acidic chemicals generally have a good prognosis. However, alkaline chemicals can permanently damage your cornea. If you get chemicals in your eyes, start by washing your hands. It will remove any chemicals on them.

Turn your head to the side, with the injured eye lower than the other. Flush the eye with cool, clean water for 15 minutes. Try and remove contact lenses if you are wearing them. Next, get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.

Tiny Foreign Objects

Tiny foreign objects in the eye may seem harmless. However, they can irritate and damage the cornea, leading to vision loss. If you have a foreign particle in your eyes, do not rub it or squeeze your eyelids. Get to a well-lit area and find the object. Get someone to look into your eye as you look up, down, and side to side.

If they cannot see it, they can gently pull on the lower and upper eyelids to check. If they find it, they should try to flush it out with clean water. If it does not work, use a cotton swab. The irritation should go away in a day or two. If it does not, seek medical advice.

Large Foreign Objects

In this case, do not try to remove the object or move your eye. If the item is small, you can cover the injured eye with a loose bandage or clean cloth. If it is large, you can get a clean paper cup, place it over the eye, and tape it so that it does not move. If it is large, loosely bandage both eyes and prevent the object from the pressure that can further injure your eye.

Make sure you get medical help immediately and without delay. It will prevent further complications.

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