Emergency Eye Care: What to Do When the Unexpected Happens

Recognizing an Eye Emergency

Eye emergencies can happen anytime—whether it’s an accident at home, an unexpected sports injury, or an irritation that escalates quickly. Knowing what qualifies as an emergency and when to seek immediate care can protect your vision and prevent long-term damage.

Some common eye emergencies include:

• Chemical exposure – Contact with cleaning products, industrial chemicals, or even certain beauty products can cause severe irritation or burns.
• Foreign objects – Dirt, metal shavings, or glass fragments in the eye can cause scratches or more serious injuries.
• Blunt trauma – A hit to the eye from a ball, fist, or accident can lead to internal bleeding or even retinal detachment.
• Corneal scratches – Rubbing your eye with a foreign object inside can damage the cornea, leading to pain and sensitivity.
• Sudden vision loss – If you suddenly experience blurred or lost vision, it could indicate a retinal problem or blood flow issue that needs urgent attention.

If you’re unsure whether something is an emergency, it’s best to get checked out. Waiting too long can worsen the condition and make treatment more difficult.

Immediate Steps for Common Eye Emergencies

Foreign Objects in the Eye

• Do not rub your eye, as this can embed the object deeper and cause more damage.
• Try blinking several times to see if natural tears will help flush out the object.
• If blinking does not work, rinse your eye with clean, lukewarm water or sterile saline solution for several minutes. Use an eye cup if available.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately to prevent further irritation.
• Seek medical help if you experience continued irritation, redness, excessive tearing, or a sensation that something is still in your eye.

Chemical Splashes

• Rinse your eye immediately with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, ensuring water flows away from the unaffected eye.
• Keep your eye open while flushing and try to move your eyeball around to ensure all areas are rinsed thoroughly.
• If available, use a sterile eyewash station or an emergency eye wash kit.
• Avoid using eye drops or ointments unless directed by a medical professional.
• Seek immediate medical attention, even if the pain subsides, to check for potential long-term damage.

Blunt Trauma to the Eye

• Apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain.
• Avoid putting direct pressure on the eye, as this can worsen internal damage.
• If there is bruising, persistent pain, double vision, or difficulty moving your eye, seek emergency care right away.
• If you suspect a fracture or internal bleeding, avoid lying flat and keep your head elevated while seeking medical attention.

Scratched Cornea

• Avoid rubbing or touching the eye, even if it feels uncomfortable, to prevent worsening the injury.
• Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to keep the eye moist and relieve irritation.
• Wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity if your eye is particularly irritated.
• If you experience persistent discomfort, increased redness, blurry vision, or extreme sensitivity to light, visit an optometrist for a thorough examination.

Sudden Vision Loss

• Do not ignore sudden changes in vision. Sudden vision loss can be a sign of a serious underlying condition such as retinal detachment, stroke, or optic nerve damage.
• If vision loss occurs in one or both eyes, seek immediate medical attention.
• Avoid driving yourself to the emergency room—have someone assist you or call emergency services.
• Do not attempt to self-diagnose or use over-the-counter eye drops, as this can delay necessary treatment.

Taking quick and appropriate action in an eye emergency can make all the difference in preserving vision and preventing long-term complications. If you experience any of these situations, consult a medical professional immediately.

What NOT to Do in an Eye Emergency

It’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know the right steps:

• Don’t rub or press on the injured eye.
• Don’t use tweezers, cotton swabs, or any sharp objects to remove something from your eye.
• Don’t delay medical care if you experience persistent pain, redness, or vision changes.

How to Prepare for an Eye Emergency

Since emergencies happen when you least expect them, it’s helpful to be prepared:

• Keep a small first aid kit with saline solution, artificial tears, and a clean eye cup.
• Have your optometrist’s contact information saved on your phone.
• Use protective eyewear when working with chemicals, power tools, or playing sports.

Eye Safety Tips to Prevent Future Emergencies

Prevention is key when it comes to eye health. Here are some quick tips:

• Wear safety glasses when using tools or working in hazardous environments.
• Be cautious with contact lenses, ensuring they’re clean and properly stored.
• Limit screen time and take breaks to prevent digital eye strain.

The Role of LMC Optometry & Eye Care in Emergency Situations

Eye emergencies can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle them alone. LMC Optometry & Eye Care is here to help. 

If you ever experience an eye emergency, don’t wait. Contact LMC Optometry & Eye Care for professional guidance and treatment to protect your vision.