Eye Emergencies: When to Visit Your Optometrist or Hospital

Emergencies involving your eyes can be alarming, and knowing when to seek immediate help is critical to preventing long-term damage. At Dr. Ty Miller O.D., we understand the urgency of eye emergencies and are here to provide emergency eye care when you need it.

But when should you call your optometrist, and when is a visit to the hospital more appropriate? Let’s explore how to handle eye emergencies and what role your optometrist can play in ensuring eye health and safety.

When to Call Your Optometrist

In many cases, an optometrist can effectively manage eye emergencies. Optometrists have training to handle a wide range of eye injuries and conditions, including:

• Foreign Objects in the Eye: Whether it’s dust, sand, or metal fragments, getting something stuck in your eye can be painful and dangerous. If rinsing with water doesn’t remove the object, or if you experience ongoing irritation, call your optometrist. They have the proper tools to remove foreign objects and prevent further damage.
• Sudden Vision Changes: If you experience sudden vision loss, flashes of light, floaters, or blurry vision, these could be signs of a serious condition like retinal detachment or a stroke. Contact your optometrist immediately, as early detection and treatment can be crucial to preserving your vision.
• Eye Infections: Redness, swelling, discharge, and pain in the eye could indicate an eye infection such as conjunctivitis or a more severe condition like a corneal ulcer. Your optometrist can diagnose and treat these infections, helping to prevent complications.
• Minor Eye Injuries: Optometrists can also handle minor eye injuries like small scratches (corneal abrasions) or chemical splashes. Quick treatment from an optometrist can help alleviate pain and minimize the risk of infection.

At Dr. Ty Miller O.D., we offer emergency care for these situations. Our goal is to provide immediate relief while addressing any serious issues promptly to prevent long-term damage to your vision, within our office hours.

Critical Eye Injuries That Require Hospital Care

While your optometrist can handle many eye emergencies, some situations require more advanced care only a hospital can provide.

If you experience any of the following, it’s essential to seek emergency medical attention at a hospital:

• Severe Eye Trauma: Injuries that involve significant trauma to the eye or surrounding area — such as being hit with a blunt object or penetrating injuries — require immediate medical attention at a hospital. This could include severe cuts, fractures around the eye, or objects embedded deeply in the eye.
• Chemical Burns: If your eye has had exposure to strong chemicals, such as acids or alkalis, it is important to flush the eye immediately with water and seek emergency medical care at a hospital. Chemical burns can cause rapid and irreversible damage to the eye, and timely treatment is essential.
• Head Injuries with Vision Loss: If you have suffered a head injury and are experiencing vision loss, double vision, or severe pain in or around your eyes, head to the hospital immediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious issue like a concussion or brain injury, which requires urgent evaluation by a medical team.

How Optometrists Handle Eye Emergencies

Optometrists like Dr. Miller are skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of eye emergencies. During an emergency eye care appointment, your optometrist will assess the injury or condition, perform any necessary tests or imaging, and provide treatment or referral if needed.

Common treatments might include:

• Flushing the Eye: For foreign objects or minor chemical exposure, your optometrist may flush the eye to remove debris and relieve irritation.
• Prescription Medications: For infections or inflammation, your optometrist may prescribe antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops to treat the condition and promote healing.
• Referral for Surgery: In cases where surgical intervention is needed — such as for retinal tears or other severe injuries — your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist or hospital for specialized care.

Dr. Ty Miller O.D.: Your Partner in Emergency Eye Care

We take emergency eye care seriously. Whether you’ve had an accident, experienced sudden vision changes, or suffered from an infection, we’re here to provide the care you need, within office hours.

If you’re unsure whether your situation requires a hospital visit, don’t hesitate to call us. We can guide you on the best course of action and ensure you get the appropriate care as quickly as possible.

Schedule an Appointment in Cuyahoga Falls

Eye emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Knowing when to call your optometrist versus heading to the hospital is crucial for protecting your vision.

Dr. Ty Miller O.D. provides comprehensive emergency eye care services, within office hours. This ensures that you receive prompt and effective treatment for a wide range of eye issues. We’ll help you get the specialized care you need for more severe injuries or conditions.