In the blink of an eye, life can take an unexpected turn. Persistent eye pain, a sudden injury, or abrupt changes in vision — these emergencies don't come with a warning and can cause some distress.
At Ciambrone Vision, we provide comprehensive and timely emergency eye care, ensuring you receive the assistance you need promptly. When an eye emergency strikes, trust Dr. Andrew Ciambrone and his Kissimmee and Lakeland teams to be your eye health partners.
Recognizing the Signs of an Eye Emergency
An eye emergency refers to any sudden or unexpected eye problem or injury that requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss or alleviate pain and discomfort. These emergencies can vary widely, but recognizing the signs and symptoms can help you take the necessary steps to seek immediate assistance. Some common eye emergencies include:
- Persistent and severe eye pain
- Sudden blurred vision
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Seeing double, either in one eye or both
- Seeing sudden flashes of light
- Small dark spots or floaters in your vision
- Seeing rainbow-colored circles around lights
- A foreign object stuck in the eye
- Exposure to chemicals
- Eye infections
- Cuts, scrapes, and injury to the eye
- Bleeding from or around the eye
- Blood in the white of the eye
- Swelling around the eye
- Red or pink eyes
- Eye bulging
- Unusual discharge from the eye
If you experience any of these signs, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
What to Do in the Event of an Eye Emergency
In these circumstances, it's crucial to take immediate action to minimize potential damage and preserve your vision. Here's what you should do and avoid doing:
- Keep Calm: Stay calm and keep the affected eye as still as possible.
- Avoid Rubbing The Eyes: Resist the urge to rub your eye, even if it feels irritated or itchy. Rubbing can cause further damage, especially if there's a foreign object in your eye.
- Don’t Apply Pressure: Refrain from pressing on or applying pressure to the eye, which can exacerbate the injury.
- Don’t Remove Objects: If there's a foreign object in your eye, do not try to remove it yourself. You might inadvertently push the object deeper or cause more damage.
- Rinse The Eye: If there's a chemical or small debris in your eye, gently flush your eye with clean, lukewarm water.
- Protect The Eye: If you've experienced trauma or injury, protect your eye with a clean, soft cloth or a rigid shield (like the bottom of a paper cup) to prevent further harm.
- Seek Professional Care: Contact Ciambrone Vision, especially if you're experiencing severe pain, sudden vision changes, or a foreign object has penetrated the eye.
Remember, in the case of an eye emergency, time is of the essence. Seeking prompt medical care can make a significant difference in the outcome.
When to Visit The Emergency Room
If you are unsure about the severity of your condition, it's better to err on the side of caution. While we are here to assist you with your eye emergencies, you can also visit the nearest emergency room, especially if you experience intense pain or bleeding.
Emergency Eye Care in Florida
At Ciambrone Vision, we understand the urgency and concern that come with eye emergencies. Our practices provide prompt and expert emergency care to patients of all ages. When faced with an eye emergency, you can rely on our skilled optometrist, Dr. Andrew Ciambrone, to deliver immediate assistance and comprehensive evaluations.
Whether it's sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, foreign objects in the eye, or any other urgent eye issue, we have advanced technology and a wealth of experience to assess and address your condition effectively. Call us at 407-390-0585 or 863-858-8373 for prompt emergency eye care.