Urgent Eye Care: Addressing Eye Emergencies in Madison
Eye emergencies can be frightening, but knowing where to turn for immediate care can make all the difference. At Eye Contact Madison, we provide emergency eye care when you need it most.
When it comes to your eyes, any situation threatening your vision is considered an eye emergency. We are fully equipped to handle a wide range of eye emergencies.
What is an Eye Emergency?
An eye emergency puts your eyes or vision at risk of permanent damage. These situations can occur unexpectedly and often require immediate attention to prevent long-term consequences. Some of the most common types of eye emergencies include:
- Eye infection
- A foreign object stuck in the eye
- Eye trauma
- Scratch on the eye
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- A lost contact lens in the eye
Symptoms That Require Emergency Eye Care
Certain symptoms indicate the need for immediate attention from an eye care professional. If you experience any of the following, it's crucial to seek emergency eye care promptly:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden double vision
- Sudden eye pain
- New onset of light flashes or floaters
- A foreign body in the eye
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Swelling or pain after eye surgery
What to do if You Have an
Eye Emergency
In an eye emergency, your first step should be to contact Eye Contact Madison for an emergency eye care appointment. If you're unsure whether your symptoms constitute an emergency, don't hesitate to call us anyway — delaying treatment can put you at risk of serious complications that may lead to vision loss.
Until you can see your eye doctor or receive urgent care, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Don't press on or rub an injured eye.
- Avoid attempting to remove a foreign body on your own.
- Refrain from using dry cotton, including cotton swabs or sharp instruments like tweezers on the eye.
- Don't try to remove an embedded object.
What to Do if Something Gets Into Your Eye
When a foreign object, whether an eyelash, a grain of sand, or more substantial debris, gets into your eye, seeking treatment immediately is essential. While you can flush simple irritants with water or saline solution, more severe cases may require professional intervention. The eyes are incredibly delicate, and improper removal attempts can lead to sight-threatening complications. If you suspect a foreign object has penetrated your eye or notice any signs of infection, such as blood or discharge, contact your eye doctor immediately. After describing the incident, your eye doctor may recommend visiting the emergency room.
Expert Eye Infection Care
Eye infections can be uncomfortable and potentially serious if left untreated. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause them. Common symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling, discharge, and blurred vision. Seek medical attention if you suspect you have an eye infection. Our optometrists are skilled in diagnosing and treating various types of eye infections. We will provide you with the personalized care and treatment you need to get back to optimal eye health.
Swift and Safe Foreign Body Removal
Our trained optometrists at Eye Contact Madison have the expertise and specialized tools to remove foreign bodies from the eye safely and effectively. If you've experienced an incident like this, don't hesitate to contact us for immediate assistance. Your comfort and eye health are our top priorities.
Gentle Care for Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion occurs when the clear, protective layer on the front of your eye, called the cornea, is scratched or injured, which can result from a foreign object, like a fingernail or a piece of debris, coming into contact with the eye. Symptoms may include pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and the feeling of having something in your eye. Our skilled optometrists are experienced in diagnosing and treating corneal abrasions, ensuring your eyes receive the care they need for a swift recovery.
Effective Solutions for Red/Pink Eye
While some cases may resolve independently, others require medical treatment. Our expert optometrists at Eye Contact Madison can diagnose the cause of your red eye and provide the appropriate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and restore your eye's health.