When Should I Seek Immediate Help for an Eye Injury?

Eye injuries can happen unexpectedly during daily activities, work, sports, or even at home. While some eye issues can wait for a regular eye exam, others require immediate attention to prevent lasting damage. At InSight EyeCare, we want our patients to recognize the signs of an eye emergency so they can act quickly when it matters most.
 

Common Types of Eye Emergencies

Eye emergencies include any sudden injury, trauma, or symptom that may threaten your vision or eye health. Here are some of the most common examples:
 

• Blunt trauma to the eye such as being hit by a ball or elbow
• Foreign objects like metal, wood, or glass lodged in the eye
• Chemical exposure from household cleaners, industrial chemicals, or other substances
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Eye pain or redness that comes on suddenly and is intense
• Flashes of light or floaters that appear without warning, possibly indicating retinal detachment
• Bleeding from the eye or blood in the white part of the eye
• Double vision or difficulty keeping one or both eyes open
• Cuts or lacerations to the eyelid or eyeball

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you experience any of the above symptoms, do not wait to see if the condition improves on its own. Delaying care can significantly increase the risk of permanent damage or even vision loss. Eye emergencies should never be ignored, as quick action can make a critical difference in the outcome.
 

You should seek immediate help if you experience sudden changes in your vision, such as blurriness, darkness, or complete loss of sight. If a chemical has come into contact with your eye, prompt medical attention is essential to prevent internal damage. Similarly, if an object has pierced or become embedded in your eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself - this requires urgent professional care.
 

Extreme pain or a sensation of pressure in the eye may be a sign of a serious internal injury or condition that requires immediate evaluation. Noticeable swelling, bruising, or bleeding around the eye can also indicate significant trauma that needs prompt medical treatment.
 

What to Do Before You Reach the Doctor

• Do not rub or apply pressure to the injured eye
• Do not try to remove a foreign object yourself
• Rinse your eye with clean water only if it has been exposed to chemicals
• Avoid using eye drops unless directed by a doctor
• Shield the eye with a clean cloth or cup to prevent further injury during transport

Trust InSight EyeCare for Emergency Eye Care

Your eyes are delicate and essential to your everyday life. When something feels wrong or if you experience a traumatic injury, seeking immediate care can make the difference between full recovery and permanent vision damage. We are equipped to handle eye emergencies and provide fast, effective care.
 

Contact InSight EyeCare if you are experiencing an eye emergency or have questions about your symptoms. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (713) 462-2010 for further guidance.