Emergency Care

There may be instances when your eyes require emergency care. Foreign objects or chemicals pose significant threats to the health of your eye that may require immediate medical attention. In such a case, contact Dr. Andrea J. Stein at Eye See Ravenswood in Chicago. As an experienced optometrist, she is well-equipped to attend to clients in the Ravenswood neighborhood. If any eye emergencies occur outside of office hours, your best option is to visit the emergency room before more damage occurs.

Eye Emergencies

Eye emergencies refer to unexpected, sudden dangers to your eyes. This is often due to foreign objects or chemicals that enter your eye, sometimes due to an injury or burn that affects the area around your eye and requires immediate medical attention. Left untreated, eye emergencies can impair your vision or even lead to permanent blindness.

What are the signs of an eye injury that require emergency care?

A range of incidents and conditions evoke different symptoms and may require emergency care. If the feeling of something in your eye persists, contact Dr. Andrea Stein to have it examined. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:

• Vision loss
• Pupils of different sizes
• Decreased vision
• Double vision
• Bleeding from the eye

Some of these problems will require a trip to the emergency room, such as:

• Sudden loss of vision
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Eye pain

After you’ve received the urgent care you needed, schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Stein.

Are there immediate measures I should take following an eye emergency?

In the instance of an eye emergency, do not attempt to treat yourself. Always seek help from a medical professional, but there are certain actions you should avoid before you get there. To protect your eye from further complications or damage, avoid:

• Rubbing or applying pressure to your eye
• Trying to remove foreign objects stuck in your eye
• Using tools in your eye
• Putting medications or ointments in your eye
• Taking out your contact lenses if you wear them

Performing any of these acts can make your injury much worse. The best action to take is to see Dr. Stein as soon as possible or go to urgent care.

How might I prevent eye injuries?

It’s nearly impossible to prevent emergency situations, as they are by definition unexpected. However, avoiding high-risk activities is your best bet to counter these situations. If you do partake in potentially dangerous situations, make sure to:

• Wear protective eyewear
• Follow directions carefully
• Keep sharp instruments away from young children
• Use caution when cooking with grease and oil
• Childproof your home