An eye emergency is any situation that requires immediate treatment by an eyecare professional. But, for most people, it is often difficult to determine what is a true emergency and what is a common issue that causes distress. Below, learn about urgent situations that require prompt care and what to do if you experience one.

The Types

Injuries to the eye typically need emergency care, including trauma to the eye area or getting a foreign object in the eye. Medical treatment is especially important if severe pain, swelling, or reduced vision accompany the injury.

Chemical burns to the eye come in three different forms. Alkali burns are the most serious, as alkali chemicals like ammonia, lye, and lime have high pH levels that can damage the internal and external structures of the eye. 

Acid burns result from chemicals with lower pH, including sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and vinegar. They tend to affect only the front part of the eye, but they can still cause cornea damage and vision loss. Irritants have neutral pH levels and are usually more painful than damaging; household detergents and pepper spray are two common examples. 

Certain ocular conditions qualify as emergencies. Detached retinas cause flashing lights, spots, or showers of light in your field of vision, and prompt care is needed to prevent blindness. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is also an emergency, with severe eye pain and headaches as the most common symptoms. 

What to Do

The best action to take in an eye emergency is to go to the nearest emergency room or call your optometrist right away. Delaying treatment could result in potentially serious effects on your vision and the overall health of your eyes.

Try not to rub your eyes or apply pressure to them, and don't use eyedrops, artificial tears, or similar products until you've been seen by a medical professional. Any of these actions could worsen the problem, so a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan should be the immediate priority.

If you experience an eye emergency, Abel, Klecker & Robbins can help. Since 1955, they have been serving the Lexington, KY, area. They provide eye exams and treatments, as well as a full selection of glasses and contact lenses. Call (859) 269-6921 to make an appointment or visit them online to browse their services.