Common Eye Injuries

Eye injuries vary in severity, making it essential to understand proper first aid and differentiate between emergency and urgent eye care. While seeking necessary medical attention is crucial, we'll highlight some injuries requiring immediate care. If you experience an eye injury, contact Eyear Optical, your optometrist in Chattanooga, Athens, and Cleveland, TN. We will strive to see you as soon as possible.

Emergency and Urgent Eye Care

Distinguishing between emergency and urgent care is crucial, as emergency care is for patients whose injuries demand immediate medical attention, while those who can wait a day or two require urgent care. Patients needing emergency care should visit their medical provider's office, an urgent care center, or a hospital emergency room promptly.

Common Eye Injuries Requiring Emergency Treatment

Sudden vision loss can signal life-threatening issues, necessitating emergency care. Other common eye injuries needing immediate attention include:

•             Large Foreign Body: A substantial foreign object embedded in the eye requires immediate attention. Avoid attempting to remove it or pressing on it. If possible, cover it and limit its movement.

•             Chemical Exposure: Emergency care may be necessary when household or workplace chemicals enter the eyes, particularly base or alkali compounds such as calcium carbonate and fertilizers. Rinse the eyes for 15 minutes with clean water, regardless of the chemicals involved. Identifying the product or chemical can aid care providers in quickly administering appropriate treatment.

•             Orbital Fracture: External trauma leading to broken bones around the eyes necessitates emergency care.

•             Corneal Ulcers: Ulcers resulting from improper contact lens use and handling may require immediate attention.

Common Eye Injuries Requiring Urgent Treatment

Many eye injuries only require urgent care. Contact your eye doctor during office hours for an eye exam, instructions, or seek immediate care if you experience:

•             A corneal abrasion

•             Bloody iris or blood in the whites of the eye

•             Bruised or black eye

Avoid using ointments or over-the-counter eye drops for treatment. Apply a cold compress for trauma or eye inflammation, but refrain from pressing on the eye.

Treating Eye Injuries at Eyear Optical

Having Eyear Optical nearby, with offices in Chattanooga, Athens, and Cleveland, TN, can be reassuring for those with eye injuries or scheduled vision exams. Call our team today at (423) 805-7341 to schedule an appointment.