Providing Emergency Eye Care Services in Middletown
Eye emergencies can occur unexpectedly, so knowing what to do is crucial if you or a loved one requires urgent eye care.
Remain calm. Staying composed helps you think clearly and keeps others calm.
Do not try to assess the severity of an eye injury on your own. Instead, contact your eye doctor for guidance on what steps to take in your situation. At Middletown & Settlers Walk Eye Care in Middletown, we understand ocular emergencies and are available to assist you at any time.
An emergency room visit is not always necessary for eye issues. Research shows that an optometrist can treat most patients who seek emergency eye care.
Use your judgment based on your symptoms. If you need emergency care, go to the nearest emergency room without delay.
What is an Eye Emergency?
An eye emergency refers to anything that poses a risk of permanent damage to your eyes or vision.
The most common types of eye emergencies include:
- Eye infection
- Foreign object stuck in the eye
- Eye trauma
- Scratch on the eye
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden appearance of light flashes or floaters
Is an Eye Infection an Emergency?
While an eye infection like conjunctivitis (pink eye) usually does not require emergency eye care, it is important to see your eye doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have an eye infection.
Symptoms That Require Emergency Eye Care
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden double vision
- Sudden eye pain
- New onset of light flashes and/or floaters
- Foreign body in the eye
- Chemicals in the eye
- Swelling or pain after eye surgery
What to Do if Something Gets Into Your Eye?
A foreign object can range from an eyelash or speck of sand to a metal shard, blade of grass, or piece of wood. Remove the object promptly to reduce the risk of injury or infection.
Because the eyes are delicate, seek care if you are unsure how to remove a foreign object safely. Seek urgent care if you cannot flush out the object with water or saline.
If you suspect that a foreign object has penetrated your eye or notice any blood or discharge from your eye, contact your eye doctor immediately. Your eye doctor may advise you to go to the emergency room.
What To Do If You Have an Eye Emergency?
Contact Middletown & Settlers Walk Eye Care for an emergency eye care appointment. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, call us. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of serious complications and vision loss.
Until you see your eye doctor or seek urgent care:
- Avoid pressing on or rubbing an injured eye
- Do not remove a foreign object on your own
- Do not use dry cotton (including cotton swabs) or sharp instruments (such as tweezers) on the eye
- Don’t attempt to remove an embedded object
Call our office in Middletown for further instructions. Our team is available to assist you.