When it comes to our health, we often try to “tough it out.” We might wait a few days to see if the cough clears up or if the sore muscle stops aching. However, your eyes are different. Vision is one of our most precious senses. According to MedlinePlus, the eye is easily damaged, and eye emergencies can lead to vision loss if untreated.
If you are experiencing sudden eye pain or a change in your vision, it is your body’s way of sounding an alarm. Whether it’s an eye injury, ER visit, or a trip to an urgent care clinic, getting professional help immediately can be the difference between a full recovery and lifelong vision loss.
Recognizing the Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Care
Not every eye issue requires a trip to the emergency room, but certain symptoms are universal “red flags.” According to MedlinePlus, you should seek emergency medical care if you have:
- Eye pain with redness.
- Pain accompanied by a headache or nausea.
- A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Seeing rainbow-like halos around lights, a possible sign of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Physical trauma or a blow to the eye.
Chemical Splashes in the Eye
A chemical in the eye needs medical care right away. Household cleaning solutions, garden chemicals, and solvents can all cause chemical burns to the eye.
If a chemical splashes in your eye, MedlinePlus recommends flushing it right away. Keep flushing your eye with clean water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes. While you are flushing, have someone else call 911 or prepare to take you to an eye injury ER. Do not wait to see if the stinging stops. Alkaline chemicals, such as drain cleaners, may cause permanent damage to the cornea.
Scratched Cornea Symptoms: More Than Just an Irritation
The cornea is the clear, protective outer layer of your eye. According to AOA, a corneal abrasion is a cut or scratch on the cornea. AOA notes that corneal pain from injury is severe because of bare nerve endings.
Common Signs of a Corneal Abrasion
According to the NIH, symptoms of a scratched cornea include:
- A feeling like there is sand or grit in your eye.
- Significant tearing and redness.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Blurred vision.
Why You Shouldn’t “Rub It Out”
It is an instinct to rub your eye when it feels irritated. However, MedlinePlus advises against rubbing the eye or squeezing the eyelids. If an object is stuck in the eye, leave it in place and get medical help right away. That is when an eye injury ER visit is necessary. If the object is large, tape a clean paper cup over the eye so nothing presses on it.
When “Seeing Spots” is a Retinal Emergency
Most of us have seen the occasional “floater,” those specks that drift across our field of vision. According to the NEI, most people have floaters that come and go, and they often don’t need treatment. However, a sudden increase in new floaters can signal a retinal tear or detachment.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) notes that a retinal detachment occurs when the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency.
Watch for these symptoms:
- Flashers: Seeing sudden streaks of light or “lightning bolts.”
- A “Curtain” Effect: A dark shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision from the side, top, or bottom.
- Shower of Floaters: A sudden, massive increase in the number of spots you see.
If you have these symptoms, go to your eye doctor or the emergency room right away. Early treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss.
Sudden Vision Loss: Understanding the Risks
Sudden vision loss needs urgent care, even if it returns after a few minutes. According to MedlinePlus, a blocked artery in the retina can cause it. A clot in the eye may be a warning sign of clots elsewhere, and a clot in the brain can cause a stroke.
The NIH lists sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes as a warning sign of a stroke. During a stroke, every minute counts. If you think it could be a stroke, call 911 right away. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Protecting Your Sight: Immediate Steps to Take
If you or a loved one experiences an eye emergency, follow these first aid steps from MedlinePlus while heading to the ER:
- Do not apply pressure to the eyeball.
- Do not attempt to remove a foreign object that appears embedded in the eye.
- Do stay calm and keep both eyes as still as possible.
Don’t Wait, Protect Your Vision!
If you’re experiencing sudden vision loss or eye pain, seek immediate care at the ER of Irving. Our team is ready to evaluate and treat eye emergencies 24/7.
Need immediate help?
Visit the ER of Irving for fast, expert treatment of sudden vision loss and eye injuries.
Call us now at (972) 893-3148 for immediate assistance or to speak with a healthcare professional.
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FAQs
How do I know if I should go to the ER for an eye injury?
You should go to an eye injury ER for sudden vision loss, something stuck in the eye, or a chemical splash. MedlinePlus adds that anyone with severe eye pain needs to be seen right away.
Can a scratched cornea heal on its own?
According to MedlinePlus, injuries that affect only the surface of the cornea usually heal quickly with treatment. Treatment may include eye drops or ointments prescribed by a provider.
What causes sudden flashes of light in my eyes?
Sudden flashes of light can be a sign of retinal detachment, according to the NEI. If you have them, go to your eye doctor or the emergency room right away.
What should I do if I get soap or cleaning chemicals in my eye?
Immediately flush the eye with water for 15 minutes. Then go to the nearest emergency room, as MedlinePlus advises.
Is a red eye always an emergency?
Not always. Redness can come from “pink eye” (conjunctivitis), which can be caused by an infection or an allergy. However, MedlinePlus says a painful red eye or vision loss needs urgent medical attention.
Can I drive myself to the doctor if I have an eye injury?
No. If your vision is impaired or you are in pain, you should have someone else drive you or call emergency services. Driving with compromised vision is dangerous for you and others.
