Is your eye health at risk? Knowing how to handle eye emergencies can make all the difference! Whether it’s sudden vision loss, a foreign object in your eye, chemical exposure, blunt trauma, or an eye infection, acting quickly is crucial. In Calgary’s communities of Crowfoot, West Springs, and Creekside, Blink Eyewear provides expert emergency eye care when you need it most. Our blog covers the five most common eye emergencies and gives you step-by-step advice on what to do when your eyes are in danger. Don’t let an eye emergency catch you off guard—learn how to protect your vision & ensure your eyes get the care they need. If an emergency strikes, we’re here to help - call us for more information.
Eye emergencies can be frightening and sometimes happen unexpectedly. Whether you live in Crowfoot, West Springs, Creekside, or anywhere in Calgary, knowing what to do during these moments can make a big difference in preserving your vision and protecting your eye health. Here at Blink Eyewear, we want to make sure you’re prepared. In this blog, we’ll cover five common eye emergencies and how to handle them effectively.
1. Sudden Vision Loss
Sudden vision loss can be one of the most alarming eye emergencies. It can happen without warning, and there are several possible causes, such as retinal detachment, a blocked blood vessel in the eye, or optic nerve damage. This type of emergency requires immediate attention because untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
What to do:
If you experience sudden vision loss, do not wait to see if it gets better on its own. Call Blink Eyewear immediately or visit an emergency eye care center in Calgary. In many cases, quick treatment can prevent further damage to your vision. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this could make the situation worse, especially if it’s due to a detached retina.
2. Foreign Object in the Eye
Getting a foreign object, such as dust, sand, or even a small piece of metal, in your eye is a common occurrence. While some objects can be flushed out easily, others can cause damage if not handled properly. Sharp objects or those embedded in the eye pose a greater risk of injury and should be treated as a medical emergency.
What to do:
If you have something in your eye, avoid rubbing it, as this can cause further damage. Try rinsing your eye gently with clean water or a saline solution. If the object doesn’t come out or you feel sharp pain, it’s time to seek emergency eye care. Blink Eyewear can assess the situation and remove the object safely. If you are near one of our Calgary locations in Crowfoot, West Springs, or Creekside, visit us for prompt care.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure to the eyes can happen in various situations, whether it's household cleaning products, industrial chemicals, or even beauty products like hairspray or nail polish remover. Chemical burns to the eye are serious and can cause long-term damage if not treated quickly.
What to do:
If a chemical gets into your eye, the first thing to do is to rinse your eye with clean water immediately. Flush the eye for at least 15 minutes, making sure the water is flowing from the inner corner to the outer edge to avoid getting the chemical in the other eye. After flushing, call Blink Eyewear or go to the nearest emergency eye care clinic. Bring the chemical’s container with you if possible, so your eye care professional can assess the substance involved.
4. Blunt Trauma to the Eye
A blow to the eye from an object, fall, or accident can cause significant injury, including bruising, bleeding, or even damage to the bones surrounding the eye. Sometimes, blunt trauma can cause more serious problems, such as a detached retina or a fracture in the eye socket.
What to do:
If you experience trauma to the eye, it's essential to seek medical care immediately, even if there is no visible injury or your vision doesn’t seem affected at first. Avoid applying pressure to the eye, as this can worsen any internal injuries. Use a cold compress gently around the eye (not directly on the eye) to reduce swelling and pain. Blink Eyewear can provide emergency care and refer you to specialists if needed.
5. Eye Infection
Eye infections can range from mild irritation to severe pain, redness, and discharge. While some infections, like conjunctivitis (pink eye), are common and easily treated, others, especially those involving contact lenses, can escalate quickly if not addressed.
What to do:
If you suspect an eye infection, it’s important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Blink Eyewear can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment, which might include prescription eye drops or other medications. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately if you develop any signs of infection, as they could be a source of bacteria.
Eye emergencies are serious and should never be ignored. Whether it’s sudden vision loss, a foreign object, chemical exposure, trauma, or an infection, quick and appropriate action is crucial in protecting your eye health and vision. At Blink Eyewear, we understand how concerning these situations can be, and we’re here to provide the emergency eye care you need.
Serving the communities of Crowfoot, West Springs, and Creekside in Calgary, we’re committed to helping you through any eye emergency with compassionate, expert care. If you or a loved one experiences any of these emergencies, don’t hesitate—call us immediately or visit one of our locations for the assistance you need. Your eyes are important, and we’re here to help keep them healthy and safe.