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Protecting our eyes from injury and damage is paramount to preserving our vision. Unfortunately, accidents can happen that put your eyesight in danger.

Always wash your hands with soap before touching your eyes or face in an eye emergency to prevent further damage or infection.

It is important to note that if your optometrist is unavailable in the event of an emergency, or you cannot wait for an appointment, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Chemical Injuries & Burns

When working closely with chemicals or cleaning products, there’s always a risk of getting these products in your eyes. Certain cleaning products can also produce strong vapors or fumes, which can cause chemical burns.

If harmful chemicals have made their way into your eye, the best course of action is to flush your eye with clean, cool tap water for at least 15 minutes. If you’re near an eyewash station, these work best, but a sink or shower will work as well.

After flushing your eye, visit your optometrist or nearest emergency room as soon as possible.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Foreign objects in your eye have the potential to cause permanent damage and can possibly lead to vision loss.

Small Objects

If you get something small in your eye such as dust or sand, you should be able to remove it safely yourself. If blinking, artificial tears, or flushing your eye with water doesn’t remove the irritation, contact your optometrist as soon as possible or proceed to your nearest drop in clinic or emergency room.

Large Objects

If you have something large penetrate or enter your eye, you must seek medical attention immediately. If something has gotten stuck in your eye, do not try to remove it on your own. You may end up causing more damage. Instead, call 911 and try not to move your eyes as much as possible before an optometrist or other qualified medical professional can examine you.

Preventing Injury

There are a few precautions you can take to avoid eye emergencies.

When working with chemicals, power tools, or flying objects of any kind, always wear protective eyewear.
Keep sharp objects such as scissors or knives away from children and always use caution when using them yourself.
Be alert when cooking with grease, oil, or any other hot substance that may spatter.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, always call 911. Otherwise, book an appointment to prevent permanent damage after an eye injury.