Ocular Emergencies

Concerning changes with your eyes should be closely monitored by an eye care provider. Experiencing one of these below could be a sign of an ocular or neurologic problem and should be treated/evaluated in a timely manner. Our office regularly deals with these types of emergencies and has the proper equipment/training required.

Ocular emergencies are treated as a priority and we will work with you to be evaluated according to the issue at hand.

Loss of Vision

Intermittent or permanent loss of vision where part or all of your vision is obscured. One or both eyes may be affected.

Double Vision

A sudden and persistent onset of seeing two of the same object when there is actually only one (ie. seeing two stop signs instead of one).

Flashes/Floaters

New “floaters” can look like small flakes of pepper in the vision or like cobwebs. Flashes are bursts of light that rapidly appear and disappear, usually on the peripheral area of vision.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Having foreign bodies come in contact with the front of the eye while performing tasks at work or home can produce moderate to severe pain. Objects can range from metal to organic debris. Flushing the eye with water or a sterile saline is helpful in trying to remove this foreign matter.

Abrasions

Scratches to the front surface of the eye can come from foreign objects or even a fingernail. Decreased vision, light sensitivity and pain can result from an abrasion.

Blunt Trauma

Any projectile or external force that impacts the eye can cause ocular pain and decreased vision. Bleeding around the eye can also occur with larger blunt objects.

Chemical Burns

Household cleaners that splash onto the surface of the eye can cause burns and severe ocular pain. Eyes that have come in direct contact with chemicals should immediately be flushed with water or a sterile saline for 15-20 minutes. Care should be taken to make note of what chemical the eye(s) have been exposed to.