Eye Infection or Injury
Eye emergencies include eye injuries and infections. Common eye problems occur due to cuts, burns, chemical exposure, infections, scratches, objects inside the eye, any injury to the eye or eyelid. Other medical conditions that affect the eyes, for example, glaucoma in diabetes and blood clots also require immediate medical care. Since the eye is a susceptible organ and can easily get damaged, any of these conditions can lead to vision loss if not treated on time.
Eye Infections
An irritated, red, and weepy eye indicates an infection. But some other conditions mimic the red or pink eye. Therefore, proper diagnosis is essential to treat the condition and quickly restore eye health.
Common causes of eye infections
A virus or bacterial infection usually causes eye infections. A small injury or irritation can let the microbes cause infection in the eye. The microbes can be the ones that usually live on your skin, or they can be the ones that do not inhabit your skin, they all can cause an eye infection. In some cases, you get the infection from an infected person by shaking hands with this person then touching your eyes without washing your hands. You can also get infected by sharing the items in that person's use.
Symptoms of eye infection
- Pain in the eye.
- Foreign body sensation in the eye
- Eyes become sensitive to light
- Itchy eyes
- Discharge from the eye
- Brining sensation
- Having fever
- Blurry vision
- Redness in the eyes
- Crusty lashes and lids in the morning
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries range from minor problems, like irritation of the eye by using soap or an eyelash in the eye to severe conditions, such as an eye trauma that can result in permanent loss of vision. Mild injuries may only lead to swollen eyes or black eyes. A severe injury can result in internal eye bleeding and tissue damage.
Common causes of eye injuries
They can result from accidents, chemical exposure, or foreign objects in the eye, causing bruises, punctures, and scratches. Any sharp and tiny object, for instance, a twig or dust particle can damage the cornea (transparent front part) of the eye. An accidental hit or blow to the eye causes the eye or eyelid to become swollen or injured. Anyone can get an eye injury. These injuries can occur at home, workplace while playing sports or doing other activities. People who work with lasers and irritant chemicals have a higher risk of getting an eye injury.
Eye emergencies that require immediate medical attention
Immediate medical attention is required for these conditions:
- Irritation and burn due to chemical substance: It depends on the type of chemical, the effects can be mild to severe.
- Conjunctivitis (Infection or pink eye): Infection in the conjunctiva is the eye's white. Red eyes and discharge is expected; this condition is often termed "pink eye".
- Infections of the cornea: It is a severe condition and can cause severe damage the eye. Painful eyes and light sensitivity gets intense with time. It is a real emergency and must be treated quickly.
- Trauma to the eye: It can range from a minor scratch to serious injury. Suppose the trauma results in unbearable pain, loss of vision, double vision, blood clot, or bleeding. It becomes an emergency.
- Contact lens emergencies: While wearing your contact lenses if you feel that your eye becomes painful or sensitive to light, remove them immediately. If the pain and irritation continue or worsens, you should seek immediate medical care.
- Subconjunctival haemorrhages: Condition that causes bleeding on the eye's surface due to damage to the blood vessel leaks out the fluid. Small blood vessels in the conjunctiva (a transparent covering of white of the eye known as the sclera) may break from injury and causing the eye to look red.
- Loss of vision: A sudden loss of vision happens for multiple reasons; emergency care is needed to evaluate and treat the problem.
- Eye swelling or allergic reactions: This can cause bruising around the eyes. Allergies cause eyelid swelling due to direct contact with eye allergy triggers.
- Inflammation of the iris: It can result from blunt force trauma, a penetrating injury, inflammation due to chemicals, or fire. It can become a serious problem, leading to permanent vision. Therefore, emergency treatment is needed.
- Corneal abrasions or Eye scratches: This can result from rubbing the eyes aggressively while any uncleaned object is stuck inside. Infectious particles like bacteria or viruses can enter the eye through a scratch or cut and cause infection. Medical care is needed to prevent eye infection.
- Corneal lacerations: A partial or complete injury to the cornea, caused due to the contact of any sharp object with the eye or rubbing your eyes too hard. It requires immediate medical attention.
24 Hour Emergency Eyecare
An eye emergency can occur at any time and anywhere. To deal with eye emergencies, one must know whether to seek care immediately or wait for a more convenient time. When time matter most, come to Crescent Emergency Room. We offer 24-hour emergency services for eye emergencies as experienced in diagnosing and managing eye infections and injuries.