Eye Injury Treatment and Care
Unless you wear eye protection everywhere you go, your eyes are vulnerable to injuries. From foreign objects to fractures and detached retinas, these injuries are often medical emergencies that require swift treatment. However, you can treat some common eye problems at home. Find out what to look for when assessing your injury so you’ll know if you need to visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care or use at-home treatment methods.
Common Eye Problems
Because the eyes are so vulnerable, people can develop numerous injuries. These include:
- Scratches
- Burns
- Abrasions
- Fractures
- Detached retinas
- Punctures and trauma
Go to the ER with These Eye Problems Symptoms
While some eye problems can be treated at home, you should call 911 or visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care if you are also experiencing:
- Significant vision changes
- Swollen or torn eyelids
- Swollen or torn skin around the eyes
- Severe pain
- Bleeding
- Bulging eyes or other appearance changes
- Improper eye movements
- Foreign object in your eye
Steps to Take If You Are Exposed to Toxins
If your eyes are exposed to toxic chemicals, you need to go to the ER or call 911. First, though, take some steps to protect your eyes.
Begin by flushing your eyes with warm water. Don’t rub the eyes when you do this. Instead, just splash the water to remove the irritants. Then, call 911 or have someone drive you to Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care. Driving yourself is quite dangerous, so make sure you get a ride.
Steps to Take If You Have a Foreign Object in Your Eye
If you have a foreign object in your eye, it’s easy to panic. However, Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care can remove the foreign object for you. Keep the object in place, and don’t jostle it on your trip to the emergency room. Also, do your best to remain calm because you will receive treatment quickly.
Eye Injury Treatment
After evaluating your symptoms, your physician will determine the best course of treatment. Your treatment will depend on the source of the injury. For instance, if you have a foreign object, you might have to undergo surgery to remove it. On the other hand, if you have a chemical burn, you might require topical antibiotics, topical steroids and pain relief.
You want to protect your eyes at all costs, so visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care if you have an emergency. We have locations in Fishers, West Carmel/Zionsville, Carmel, Westfield and Noblesville, so we are just a short drive away. Once you arrive, we will work quickly to make you comfortable and treat the injury.
