Eye emergencies can happen unexpectedly, requiring immediate action to prevent lasting damage. Knowing how to respond can save your vision, whether it's an eye injury, a foreign object in your eye, or exposure to harmful chemicals. At Palisades Optometrics, we understand the urgency of eye emergencies and are available to take critical appointments if you are experiencing a crisis. In the meantime, we’ve prepared a guide to help you understand what to do and avoid before seeking professional help.
How to Handle an Eye Injury
Eye injuries can range from minor irritations to severe trauma, such as a cut or puncture. If you experience an eye injury, avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye, as this can exacerbate the injury. Instead, shield your eye gently with some form of protection, such as a light patch or a paper cup, and seek professional medical attention immediately. Treating an eye injury is critical to preventing further damage or vision loss.
What to Do If You Have a Foreign Object In Your Eye
Something in your eye, a speck of dust, or a small piece of debris can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful. You might want to know how to get something out of your eye, but you shouldn’t try to do anything yourself if the object is more significant than a speck of dust. If you feel something in your eye, follow these steps:
- Do Not Rub Your Eye: Rubbing can push the object deeper, causing irritation or scratching the cornea.
- Blink Several Times: Blinking can help dislodge small particles to the lower eyelid.
- Use Clean Water or Saline Solution: Gently flush your eye with saline solution. This can help remove particles. If you do not have saline, you can use clean water. Do not attempt to remove more extensive or embedded objects yourself; contact a professional immediately.
- Do Not Attempt to Remove Anything Larger Than a Speck of Dust on Your Own. Your eyes are very delicate organs; it takes precision and care to remove anything from them, and you should always leave this task to a trained professional, even if you are in significant pain or distress
How to Clean Chemicals and Toxic Substances From Your Eye
Exposure to harmful chemicals requires immediate action to mitigate damage to the eyes. If you get chemicals in your eyes, do the following without delay:
- Rinse Your Eyes: Lean your head to the side, open your eyelids wide, and flush your eye thoroughly with saline solution for at least 15 minutes. You can also use cool, clean water if you do not have saline solution. Using a lot of saline or water to remove the chemical is crucial.
- Seek Professional Help: Even if you feel better after rinsing, it is vital to seek professional medical advice. Some chemicals might cause delayed reactions, and only a professional can assess the severity of the situation. Call us at 201-592-8989 to book an emergency appointment and get professional advice.
When to Contact Palisades Optometrics
If you are experiencing any of these eye emergencies or have any of the following symptoms, contact Palisades Optometrics immediately.
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden double vision
- Sudden redness or severe pain in the eye
- Pink eye with severe discomfort
- New onset of flashes or floaters
- New or worsening swelling or pain after eye surgery
The sooner you get professional help, the better your chances of preventing severe damage. Our team is trained to handle eye emergencies and can provide comprehensive care in critical moments.Even if you feel that you have successfully rinsed your eyes of chemicals or your symptoms have subsided or even disappeared, it is still highly recommended that you book an appointment with your optometrist. Some damage may manifest over time, or you may need longer-term care to recover from your emergency.
For emergency consultations or professional advice, do not hesitate to call us at 201-592-8989. We are here to assist you with any eye emergencies and ensure the safety and health of your vision.
Eye emergencies can be frightening, but knowing how to respond can significantly reduce the risk of lasting harm. Always prioritize safety and seek professional help. At Palisades Optometrics, your visual health is our utmost priority. Quick and effective action is critical to protecting your sight during eye emergencies.