Eye Emergencies

Sudden Vision Loss

Sudden vision loss can be a frightening and serious condition. It can occur in one or both eyes and may be partial or complete. Causes range from relatively minor issues to medical emergencies.

If you experience sudden vision loss, seek immediate medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention can be critical in preserving your vision and overall eye health.

Symptoms:

• Complete or partial loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Blurred or distorted vision

Possible Causes:

• Retinal detachment
• Stroke
• Optic neuritis
• Severe eye infections

Immediate Actions to Take:

• Seek emergency medical care immediately to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

Eye Trauma

Eye trauma refers to any injury to the eye or its surrounding structures. These injuries can range from minor irritations to severe damage that can affect vision and overall eye health.

Immediate first aid and prompt medical treatment are essential for eye trauma to minimize damage and preserve vision. If you experience an eye injury, avoid rubbing the eye, cover it with a clean cloth, and seek professional medical assistance right away.

Types of Trauma:

• Blunt Force: Caused by a blow to the eye or head.
• Penetration: Caused by a sharp object piercing the eye.

Symptoms:

• Pain and swelling around the eye
• Bruising or bleeding
• Vision changes or loss
• Double vision

Immediate Actions to Take:

• For blunt force trauma, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain, but do not apply pressure.
• For penetration injuries, do not remove the object. Stabilize it and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Acute Glaucoma

Acute glaucoma, also known as acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) due to the rapid closure of the drainage angle of the eye. This blockage prevents the aqueous humor from draining properly, leading to a swift rise in eye pressure.

Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss and optic nerve damage. If you or someone you know experiences the symptoms of acute glaucoma, go to the nearest emergency room or contact an eye care professional immediately.

Symptoms:

• Severe eye pain
• Sudden blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Nausea and vomiting
• Redness of the eye

Importance of Timely Treatment:

• Acute glaucoma is a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending visual signals to the brain, separates from its underlying supportive tissue. This separation prevents the retina from functioning properly, leading to vision loss if not treated promptly.

Symptoms:

• Sudden appearance of floaters
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• A shadow or curtain over part of your visual field

Importance of Timely Treatment:

• Retinal detachment requires urgent medical attention. If treated promptly, there is a higher chance of preserving vision. Delaying treatment can result in permanent vision loss.

Severe Eye Pain

Severe eye pain is a distressing symptom that can signal a range of serious eye conditions. It requires immediate medical attention to diagnose the underlying cause and prevent potential vision loss. Here are some symptoms, possible causes, and the actions to take if you experience severe eye pain:

Symptoms:

• Intense pain in or around the eye
• Redness and irritation
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

Possible Causes:

• Acute glaucoma
• Corneal abrasions or ulcers
• Severe eye infections
• Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)

Immediate Actions to Take:

• Seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the severe eye pain.

Flashes of Lights and Floaters

Experiencing flashes of light and floaters in your vision can be alarming and may indicate an underlying eye condition that needs attention. Here's a closer look at what these symptoms mean and what actions to take:

Symptoms:

• Seeing sudden flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
• New or increased number of floaters (small dark shapes or specks that drift across your vision)

Possible Causes:

• Retinal detachment or tear
• Posterior vitreous detachment (separation of the gel-like substance in the eye from the retina)
• Migraines with visual aura

Immediate Actions to Take:

• Any sudden onset of flashes or floaters should be evaluated by an eye care professional promptly to rule out serious conditions like retinal detachment.

Our Emergency Eye Clinic is equipped to handle various eye emergencies, from foreign object removal to sudden vision loss. If you're experiencing an eye emergency, don't hesitate to contact us or visit our emergency eye clinic near you for immediate care. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing prompt and expert care to protect your vision and eye health.