Eye Emergencies And How To Respond
During this time it can be challenging knowing what action to take in the case of medical emergencies. We at Chico Vision Care Optometry in Chico, CA are a family-friendly optometry practice that is there to help you. We have put together a list of 6 eye emergencies that your family could encounter and our recommended course of action. If you experience any of the below, seek medical attention immediately.
1. Eye Trauma
Eye trauma is a broad description for many incidents. If you or a family member get a foreign object in your eye, an injury, or a burn in the eye you should apply a cold compress to the eye. Do not apply pressure to the eye. This will reduce swelling and pain.
If there is something penetrating the eye, do not wash or remove the object. Cover both eyes and seek your optometrist or eye doctor immediately.
2. Drastic Changes to Vision
Rapid changes to vision can indicate corneal defects, a retinal detachment, symptoms of a stroke, neurological issues, or nerve damage and may result in permanent damage to your vision if left untreated.
If you experience any noticeable changes to your vision and live in the Chico area, contact our optometrist at Chico Vision Care Optometry for an examination.
3. Red Eyes
On many occasions, a medical doctor can mistreat red eyes with discharge by prescribing an antibiotic. There are different types of conjunctivitis, many viral, that require different treatments to avoid the problem escalating. If left untreated, pink eye can develop into another condition such as corneal infiltrates which can affect vision.
Conjunctivitis is infectious in approximately 80% of cases and should be treated immediately by your optometrist.
4. Different Sized Pupils
Whether your notice your pupils differ in size on a constant or intermittent basis, this may be a symptom of several underlying conditions. You could have a condition called anisocoria which results from either direct eye trauma, head trauma, stroke, or a brain tumor.
If you notice this condition, make an appointment to see your eye doctor immediately.
5. Eyes Bulging
This issue can be caused by several conditions, ranging in their seriousness. Bulging can indicate abnormally swollen blood vessels behind the eye, thyroid problems, a tumor, or even a bacterial infection. This condition should be seen to by your optometrist immediately as, if left untreated, the infection can affect the brain.
6. Other Warning Signs
It is recommended that if you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:
- eye burning/stinging
- light sensitivity
- severe itching
- double vision
- differing movement in eyes or
- bleeding/blood in white of the eye.