A Visit to the Emergency Room or Your Optometrist?

Eye Care Emergencies To Take Directly to the Optometry Office ASAP

When a health crisis occurs, it is common to consider a visit to the nearest hospital emergency room. However, when the emergency is related to your eyes, consider a trip to your optometrist's office as the first stop.

Recent research has shown that treating eye emergencies at eye doctors' offices can potentially divert more than 1 million patients away from ERs each year. While doing so eases the burden on hospitals, it also ensures that you get the most prompt treatment and care.

Foreign Body Removal

With fallen leaves blowing in the wind and chopped wood burning in backyard bonfire pits, autumn carries with it several instances when a foreign body can end up embedded in an eye. The sharp pain, watery eyes and frightening blurred vision from a foreign body can coax a run to the bathroom for a quick self-removal attempt. Try and keep this in mind: the eye is a fragile organ. Any self-pursuits of removal or a long wait in an ER can lead to an unfavorable outcome. Give us a quick call and let our team know you are on your way!

Lost/Broken Contacts

After wearing contacts for years, they no longer feel like foreign objects until they tear or get lost in the eyelid. Torn lenses are less likely to stay centered and the jagged edge can scratch the front surface of your eye. If these attempts to remove them fail, call or visit your eye doctor for assistance.

Chemical Flushing

Some chemicals are more toxic than others, but all chemicals should be considered dangerous if they encounter your eye. If you are wearing contacts, remove them immediately. Preferably flush your eyes with saline if available or with room temperature water. Seek urgent medical care from your trusted eye doctor.

Red and Burning Eyes

While chemical exposure can lead to red and burning eyes, this experience can be linked to several other serious issues including bacteria, mites, allergens, skin diseases and autoimmune diseases. Proper diagnosis by your eye doctor is essential to determine the best treatment.

Discharge From the Eye

Pink eye is often confused with other conjunctivitis conditions. Correct diagnosis of red eyes accompanied by discharge is best evaluated by an eye doctor as quickly as possible since some of the causes can be sight-threatening.

Flashes and Floaters

Flashes and floaters must be addressed quickly as they could be an indication of a retinal defect such as retinal detachment, or a stroke. These can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Step away from the computer screen, give us a call and explain what is obstructing your vision.

Sudden Vision Changes

Sitting in the car and notice you can't see out of one eye? Or does your vision seem much worse than it was yesterday? These sudden vision changes can be ominous signs. If you or a loved one experiences sudden vision changes, call Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna at (614) 476-2015. A prompt diagnosis by your optometrist is essential to restore vision to normal.

These are just some examples of situations that are best treated by your trusted eye doctor rather than an ER physician. Take anything involving your eye health into consideration and do not hesitate to contact us for prompt and precise eye care.