An eye exam can help keep your vision strong at any age or life stage. Many people only realize that they require vision correction once they receive that first pair of contact lenses or glasses, and their vision becomes truly clear. But eye exams are not only used to correct visual acuity, eye doctors also use them to identify any underlying conditions that may require emergency eye care. When you notice the signs of an eye emergency, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced optometrist, like Dr. Brian Abrams for immediate and comprehensive care.
To learn more about the risks of delaying emergency eye care from the office of Dr. Brian Abrams, read on.
Why Address Eye Emergencies Urgently
The specific risks associated with delaying emergency eye care are but not limited to:
- Increased risk of permanent vision loss
- Worsening symptoms and/or condition
- Delayed recovery time
- Possible development of other eye conditions
- Negative impact on overall health and well-being
When to Seek Emergency Eye Care
You may require emergency eye care if you are experiencing pain, redness, or sudden vision loss. The sooner you take action to get help, the better; when prolonging an eye care emergency, you risk rapid vision loss as well as worsening symptoms. Contacting an eye doctor like Dr. Brian Abrams who offers emergency services will get you the help you need fast. The sooner you intervene, the more likely you are to correct the problem.
Common Eye Emergencies
Eye emergencies can vary in severity; in extreme cases they can lead to permanent blindness if not treated immediately. An urgent eye exam will give your optometrist the opportunity to assess the situation, determine potential outcomes, and create personalized treatment plans.
Common visual emergencies include:
- Foreign objects in the eyes: A foreign object can be metal, wood or a small piece of glass that can damage the eye. Symptoms include redness, pain, tears, and blurred vision. Treatment may involve flushing the eye with saline or water and removing the object under medical supervision.
- Chemical burns: Chemicals such as acids, alkalis and solvents can cause severe eye burns. Symptoms include pain, redness, blurred vision, dry eyes, and tears. Treatment includes immediately flushing the eye with water by rinsing the eye for at least 20 minutes. After flushing your eye, visit your eye doctor to determine whether there is any lasting damage to the eye.
- Retinal detachment: The retina detaches from the back of the eye due to injury or age. Symptoms include sudden blurred vision, floaters, and flashes of light. Treatment may consist of surgery to repair the retina.
- Corneal abrasions: Contact lenses, foreign objects, or trauma may damage or scratch the cornea. Symptoms include pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity. Treatment includes eye drops with antibiotics and avoidance of contact lenses until the cornea heals.
- Eye infections: Eye infections can cause redness, pain, itching and watery discharge. Treatment includes antibiotics, eye drops or ointments.
- Eye trauma: Eye trauma can cause a variety of ocular injuries, including subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyphema, and orbital fractures. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and visual disturbances. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury.
- Orbital fractures: Orbital fractures result from trauma to the eye. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and double vision. Treatment may consist of surgery to repair broken bones.
- Hyphema: Hyphema is a condition where blood collects in front of the eye due to injury. Symptoms include pain and blurred vision. Treatment includes rest and avoidance of strenuous activity until the bleeding subsides.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye increases, causing optic nerve damage and blurred vision. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, and halos around lights. Treatment may consist of eye drops, surgery, or laser treatment.
- Optic neuritis: Optic neuritis is an optic nerve inflammation that causes blurred vision. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, and colour loss. Treatment includes steroids to reduce inflammation.
Protect Your Eyes, Call Your Trusted Eye Doctor in Vaughan
It is important to recognize eye emergencies and seek treatment immediately to avoid the risks of delaying emergency eye care. Without professional care, these conditions can lead to severe, permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.
If you have a symptom of an eye emergency, do not hesitate to seek treatment with Dr. Brian Abrams. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications. If you are facing an eye emergency, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brian Abrams Optometrist, a leading eye doctor in Vaughan with extensive experience in providing emergency and regular eye care.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first steps towards bettering your vision.
