Emergency Eye Care Resources
At Professional Eye Associates, we understand that eye emergencies can happen anytime, and swift action is essential to protect your vision. This page provides vital resources and practical advice to help you navigate eye-related emergencies and keep your vision safe no matter where you are.
Emergency Contact Information
If you are experiencing an eye-related emergency, call our office immediately at 706-226-2020. Our team will do our best to see you as soon as possible. Should you have any emergencies that occur after hours such as sudden vision loss or pain, our answering service will connect you with an on-call eye doctor to help if you are a current patient of Professional Eye Associates. But for any critical emergencies such as traumatic injury to the eye or stroke-like symptoms, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department without delay.
Never wait to seek medical attention if your symptoms are serious or worsening. Your vision and health depend on timely care.
First Aid for Eye Emergencies
Here are some tips to keep your vision safe from common emergencies:
Cuts and Lacerations
- Do NOT rub the eye or apply any pressure to the eye.
- Avoid washing the eye or removing objects stuck in or near the eye.
- Seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest emergency department if an ophthalmologist isn’t available.
Foreign Objects
- For dirt or sand: Blink a few times or flush the eye with an eyewash, a saline solution, or clean water. If discomfort persists, seek professional care.
- For high-velocity injuries (e.g., grinding metal on metal): This can be vision-threatening and requires immediate attention from an ophthalmologist or an emergency department.
- Never attempt to remove objects yourself, as this can worsen the injury.
Sometimes, objects can get wedged deeply under the eyelid and require the help of a medical professional. Trying to remove the object yourself could severely impact your vision or health.
Chemical Exposure
- Stop and immediately flush the eye continuously with running water for 20-30 minutes.
- Avoid rubbing the eye and seek immediate medical care.
- Be sure to bring the chemical label with you for the doctor to review.
Eye Injury Prevention Tips
Sports and Recreation Safety
Participating in sports and recreational activities can put your eyes at risk. Unfortunately, we have seen children and adults suffer from eye injuries that could have been prevented if proper precautions had been taken. In fact, 90% of sports-related eye injuries are preventable with protective eyewear.
Whether you’re playing baseball, hockey, racquetball, or other high-impact sports, safety goggles designed specifically for these activities provide critical protection against injuries that can damage your vision. Always prioritize safety when engaging in sports to keep your eyes healthy and injury-free.
Backyard Safety
Eye injuries are common in backyards, often caused by high-velocity tools or flying debris. Before using equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, or hedge clippers, inspect the area to remove potential hazards such as rocks, twigs, or other debris that could become dangerous projectiles.
Always wear safety goggles when operating machinery, and be cautious when using pesticides or sprays. If chemicals come into contact with your eyes, flush them immediately with running water for 20–30 minutes and seek medical attention. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy outdoor activities while keeping your eyes safe.
Safety at Home
Your home should be a place of comfort and security, but everyday household items, like cleaning chemicals, can pose serious risks to your eyes. By taking simple precautions, you can prevent most home-related eye injuries and ensure a safe environment for your family.
- Keep hazardous chemicals, such as detergents, cleaning solutions, and ammonia, securely stored and out of reach of children.
- Use childproof locks on cabinets and drawers to prevent accidental exposure.
- Always use chemicals in well-ventilated areas, double-checking that spray nozzles are directed away from your face.
- After handling cleaning chemicals, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or face to prevent irritation or injury.
- Exercise caution when opening bottles of wine or carbonated beverages, as sudden pressure releases can pose a risk to your eyes
Protecting Your Vision Every Day
Eye safety starts with following proper preventative measures, and you should act quickly if you happen to experience an eye injury. Whether it’s wearing protective gear during high-risk activities or seeking immediate care during emergencies, these steps can make all the difference in preserving your sight. At Professional Eye Associates, we are committed to your eye health and safety.
For emergencies or urgent eye care, don’t hesitate to contact us.