Ocular Emergency Treatment

Addressing ocular emergencies

Depending on the level of injury or emergency, there may be at-home solutions you can try for immediate relief. In some cases, emergency treatment should be sought. Here are some common types of ocular emergencies and ways you can address them.

Foreign object stuck in the eye

If you get a foreign object stuck in your eye, work quickly to remove it. First, wash your hands with soap and water. Then, gently flush the eye with a stream of warm water. This can be done by carefully holding a water glass up to your eye or getting into the shower. If the object will not come out, has become embedded in the eye, or is causing abnormal vision, call our office for help.

Cuts or scratches on the eye

As the surface of the eye is extremely vulnerable, small cuts and scratches can easily occur during sports, housework, gardening, and cooking. Make sure to cleanse the eye with saline solution or clean water to flush any foreign objects. Do not rub your eye, wear contact lenses, or touch the eye at all.

While most minor scratches will heal on their own in a few days, you should still schedule an emergency appointment if such an incident should occur. It is important that we are able to quickly assess the injury to determine if any further treatment is needed. Before your appointment, keep the eye protected by wearing sunglasses.

Burns on the eye

Burning sensations on the eyes can be caused by common items like shampoo, perfumes, and soaps. If you get any of these substances in your eyes, flush them immediately with clean water. As long as no pain or blurry vision persists, this should do the trick.

When to visit the emergency room

If you are experiencing a great deal of pain, swelling, or any bleeding following an ocular emergency, you should visit the emergency room right away. While we are always here to help, it may be necessary in these cases to receive extensive treatment immediately.