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Eye Emergencies

What Is Considered an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency is defined as a condition requiring prompt medical attention due to a sudden change in ocular health or vision. Eye trauma, chemical exposure to the eyes, foreign objects in the eye, and ocular infections are all considered eye emergencies and should be given immediate medical attention. If you have an eye emergency, it's critical to get immediate care in order to avoid permanent damage to your vision. How prompt you are in this case will be the difference between continued vision and permanent visual impairment.​

Any sudden onset of symptoms or obvious eye trauma that affects vision is an eye emergency.

 

Contact us without delay if you experience any of the following:

  • Eye pain

  • Bleeding of the eye

  • Blood in the white of the eye

  • Swollen or bulging eye

  • Vision loss

  • Double vision

  • New or a sudden increase in eye flashes or floaters

  • Pupils that are not the same size

  • Severe photophobia (light sensitivity)

  • Being hit in the eye

  • Bruising around the eye

  • Eye discharge

  • Suspected eye infection

  • Severe burning, stinging, itching eyes

  • Scratched or cut eye or eyelid

  • Split contact lenses in the eye

  • Foreign object stuck in the eye

Eye Wash Instructions

  • Rinse Immediately: Begin rinsing the eye as soon as possible, preferably within the first 10-15 minutes.

  • Use Clean Water or Eye Wash Solution: Use clean, lukewarm water or an eye wash solution. Avoid using hot or cold water.

  • Position the Head: Tilt the head to the side so the affected eye is facing downward, and the water can flow out without contaminating the other eye.

  • Hold the Eyelid Open: Use your fingers to gently pull the eyelids apart to ensure water can flush the entire eye, including under the eyelids.

  • Flush for at Least 15 Minutes: Continue flushing the eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Make sure water flows over the entire eye surface.

  • Seek Medical Attention: After flushing, seek immediate medical attention, even if the discomfort seems to subside.

  • Avoid Rubbing the Eye: Do not rub the eye, as this can cause further irritation or injury.

If you’re uncertain whether what you're experiencing is an emergency, please contact Golden Optometry. Our highly trained staff are experienced in treating a wide range of eye emergencies and other eye conditions. We have the latest technology to thoroughly examine and evaluate eye injuries, infections, and other eye emergencies.

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Tel: 250-344-6268

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