How to Handle Urgent Medical Eye Care Situations

Eye trouble can strike when you least expect it. One moment, you are going about your day, and the next, your vision is acting up. Your eyes are important, and when something goes wrong, it can be scary. From spotting the signs of serious issues to taking quick action, you will learn how to protect your precious sight.

What Counts as an Eye Emergency?

Do you think you might have an eye emergency? Here are some red flags to watch out for:
 

• Sudden vision loss.
• Persistent eye pain.
• Getting chemicals in your eye.
• Seeing flashes of light or new floaters.
• A foreign object stuck in your eye.
• Sudden redness or swelling.

If you are dealing with any of these, it is time to take action. But what exactly should you do?

Do Not Panic

When your eyes are acting up, it is difficult not to panic. Yet, staying calm will help you think clearly and take the right steps. Remember, most eye problems are treatable if you act quickly and smartly.
 

Assess the Situation

Take a moment to determine what is going on. Is it one eye or both? When did the problem start? Did you sustain any recent injuries or exposures that might be causing it? The more information you can gather, the better equipped you will be to explain the situation to your eye doctor.

Protect Your Eye

If you have something in your eye, resist the urge to rub it. That could make things worse. Instead, try blinking a few times to see if your tears can flush it out. If that does not work, gently rinse your eye with clean water. For chemical splashes, rinse your eye for at least 15 minutes with clean water or saline solution.
 

Seek Help Immediately

For severe eye problems, do not wait. Head to an emergency room or call an eye doctor right away. Time can be crucial in saving your vision. If you are not sure how serious it is, err on the side of caution and get it checked out.

But What If It Is After Hours?

Eye emergencies do not always happen during convenient office hours. If it is late at night or on a weekend, you have options. 24/7 emergency rooms can handle eye emergencies. Some urgent care centers can also deal with eye issues. Many eye doctor practices have someone available on-call for emergencies.
 

Keep your eye doctor’s emergency number saved in your phone. You never know when you might need it.
 

Preventing Eye Emergencies

• Wear protective eyewear when doing risky activities like DIY projects or sports.
• Keep your eyes clean and avoid touching them with dirty hands.
• Stay up to date with your eye exams to catch potential issues early.
• If you wear contacts, follow proper hygiene and care instructions to prevent infections.

It is also worth noting that some health conditions, like diabetes, can increase your risk of eye problems. If you have any underlying health issues, manage them well and get regular eye checkups.

Remember, your eyes are irreplaceable. When in doubt, it is always better to play it safe by getting checked out by an eye doctor. If you are ever in doubt about an eye issue, do not hesitate to get urgent medical care. A quick visit to the eye doctor could save you a world of trouble later.

For more eye care tips, visit Battle Born Eye Care at our Reno, Nevada, office. Call (775) 360-6446 to schedule an appointment today.