Recognizing and Responding to Eye Emergencies

Eye emergencies can range from minor irritations to severe injuries that threaten your vision. Because the eye is so delicate, even seemingly small injuries can lead to serious complications if left untreated. At Apollo Vision Haus, we're equipped to handle a wide range of eye emergencies, providing prompt and expert care to protect your sight. We understand that eye emergencies can be frightening, and we're here to provide compassionate and effective treatment when you need it most.

Common Eye Emergencies:

  • Trauma: Cuts, scratches, punctures, or blunt force injuries to the eye or eyelid.

  • Foreign Objects: Anything lodged in the eye, such as dust, debris, metal shavings, or glass.

  • Burns: Chemical or thermal burns to the eye or surrounding area.

  • Chemical Exposure: Contact with irritants or corrosive substances.

  • Photic Retinopathy: Damage to the retina from exposure to intense light (e.g., looking directly at the sun).

  • Sudden Vision Changes: Loss of vision (partial or total), double vision, blurred vision, or other visual disturbances.

  • Painful Red Eye: Redness, irritation, and pain in the eye, which may be accompanied by discharge.

  • Other Urgent Eye Problems: Conditions like blood clots, glaucoma attacks, or infections requiring immediate attention.
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When to Seek Emergency Eye Care

Any of the following symptoms warrant immediate attention from an eye care professional:

  • Bleeding or discharge from or around the eye

  • Bruising around the eye

  • Decreased or loss of vision (partial or total) in one or both eyes

​​​​​​​Why Choose Apollo Vision Haus for Your Eye Emergency?

While urgent care centers can be helpful, they often lack the specialized equipment and expertise needed to accurately diagnose and treat complex eye conditions. At Apollo Vision Haus, our optometrists have the advanced training and technology to handle a wide range of eye emergencies, ensuring you receive the best possible care. We can quickly assess your situation, provide appropriate treatment, and minimize the risk of long-term vision problems. We also understand the importance of timely intervention and strive to see emergency patients as quickly as possible.

  • Double vision

  • Pupils of unequal size

  • Eye pain (especially if severe or accompanied by other symptoms)

  • New or severe headaches, especially with eye pain or vision changes

  • The sensation of something in the eye that cannot be removed

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Stinging or burning in the eye

  • One eye not moving like the other

  • One eye bulging or protruding

  • Nausea or vomiting with eye pain (may indicate glaucoma or a neurological issue)

What to Do in an Eye Emergency:

Stay Calm

Try to remain calm and avoid panicking.

Protect Your Eye

Do not rub or touch your eye. If possible, gently shield it from further injury.

Remove Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately unless you suspect a chemical burn. In that case, flush your eyes with water first.

Seek Immediate Care

Contact Apollo Vision Haus immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if your injury is severe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get a chemical in my eye?

Immediately flush your eye with copious amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if possible. Then, seek immediate medical attention.

What should I do if something is stuck in my eye?

Do not try to remove the object yourself. Gently close your eye and seek professional help immediately.

How can I prevent eye injuries?

Wear appropriate eye protection when working with tools, chemicals, or in situations where eye injury is a risk. Be cautious during sports and other activities that could lead to eye trauma.

What if my eye emergency occurs after hours?

Contact our office, and our answering service will provide instructions on how to reach our on-call doctor. For severe emergencies, please proceed directly to the nearest emergency room.

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