Optometrists Treat Most Common Emergency Eye Care and What to Look For

Emergency eye care is usually needed for several conditions, such as retinal detachment. Optometrists treat most of these conditions, and they should be your first line of defense when you experience eye pain or need emergency treatment. Other reasons why you should have a 24 hour emergency eye care near me on speed dial include burns, orbital floor fractures, or Acid burns. Below are some of the more common emergencies and what to look for.

Optometrists treat the majority of eye emergencies

There are many reasons why an optometrist should be your first choice for emergency eye care. Optometrists specialize in eye diseases and disorders and are therefore well-equipped to diagnose and treat most types of eye emergencies. They can also write prescriptions for vision problems such as allergies or foreign objects. Emergency eye care can also be a cost-effective solution if you are experiencing vision loss.

If a foreign object is stuck in your eye, the first step you should take is to flush the eye with cool water. The longer you wait, the worse the situation will be. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent eye emergencies, but some cases still require emergency treatment. One of the most common situations is a foreign object in the eye. To avoid further damage, flush the eye with cool water until an optometrist removes it. Even if you think you can safely remove the object, you should still see a 24 hour emergency eye care near me to ensure the safety of your vision.

Flashes and floaters are signs of retinal detachment

There are many different causes of flashes, but most are age-related changes in the vitreous humor, a jelly-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina. The vitreous humor is attached to the retina at both the front and back. If the vitreous humor is detached, fluid from the lens can get behind the retina, damaging vision.

Although they are common signs of aging, they can also be related to severe health conditions. Sometimes, they are caused by a torn retina, blood, or other inflammatory processes in the eye. However, retinal detachment is more severe if it is associated with flashes or a reduction in vision. A retinal detachment may also cause flashes or floaters.

Acid burns

Chemicals with a low pH can cause an acid burn on the eyes. While less damaging than alkali chemical burns, acidic eye irritation can still permanently damage the eye. Common acids that cause eye burns include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, and hydrofluoric acids. Other common irritants include pepper spray and household detergent.

The eyelids should be thoroughly examined to determine if they have been irritated. The doctor may also use fluorescein dye to explore the area. If the eye has sustained minor damage, the treatment will consist of antibiotic eye drops and oral pain medication. The affected eye may be covered with an eye patch. Severe burns may require hospitalization. A trip to the emergency room may be necessary if the eyelids are damaged or irritated to the point that it is painful to look at.

Orbital floor fractures

Orbital floor fractures can cause double vision, diplopia, or impaired eye motility. In addition, the eye may be proptosis or enophthalmic, depending on the fracture and edema present. In severe cases, orbital entrapment may necessitate urgent intervention. Most cases resolve spontaneously or improve within a week. However, if diplopia is causing significant discomfort, the patient may require surgical repair.

The initial evaluation for orbital floor fractures begins with a complete injury history and any possible differential diagnoses. Then, the patient’s condition will be further evaluated with a detailed physical examination and a comprehensive medical history. The analysis will identify whether the fracture was caused by an external or internal injury, if there is any evidence of trauma or if the patient can open and close his mouth. In addition, an examination may reveal decreased sensitivity in the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve.

Traumatic eye injuries

24 hour emergency eye care near me providers deal with a large number of traumatic eye injuries every year. These injuries can cause visual impairment or even loss of vision. An article published in OA Emergency Medicine reviewed the causes, complications, and early treatment of ocular trauma. Initial interventions in the emergency department can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this type of injury.

Some of the most common traumatic eye injuries can be avoided by wearing eye protection. Despite the pain, if you suspect your eye has been injured, you should seek emergency care. In addition to pain, you should look for signs of swelling around your eye. Swelling around the eye is another sign that you may have suffered an eye injury. In severe cases, a person may have vision loss or need surgery.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Pink eye is caused by an infection of the thin membrane that lines the white part of the eye, the conjunctiva. The cause of conjunctivitis is not entirely clear, but it can be bacterial, viral, or allergic. For example, bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by the bacteria that causes strep throat. While it doesn’t usually affect vision, conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can last for several weeks if untreated.

If the infection is mild, it can usually be treated at home. The first thing to do is remove contact lenses and eye makeup. If you’re allergic to the substance causing conjunctivitis, throw away the contacts you’ve been wearing since the infection. Another good way to relieve symptoms is to apply a warm compress or use artificial tears. Changing your washcloths after applying a compress to the affected eye is also a good idea. Finally, you’ll want to visit an emergency room if it becomes uncomfortable or painful.