Did you know that the rate of eye injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States is 3.15 per 1,000 population? That's according to research published in the National Institutes of Health. The majority of these injuries happened at home. Data further shows that the most prevalent types of eye injury are contusions and abrasions. But how can you tell if the problem needs immediate medical attention? Here are the common eye emergencies and what you need to know about them:

Eye Trauma

Eye emergencies may occur as a result of an accident. Trauma to the eye includes any damage due to a direct blow to your eye. The force may affect not only your eye but its surrounding tissues and bone structures as well. Some of the common symptoms of eye trauma include eye pain, redness, blood, and trouble seeing. Other signs of trauma are cuts to the eyelid, one eye sticking out, and one eye not moving properly. Other indicators are unusual pupil size or shape and something lodged in the eye or under the eyelid.


You shouldn't touch or rub your eye or attempt to remove any object in your eye. Minor cases, such as a black eye, may only need a cold compress to reduce the swelling. For more severe cases, immediate medical treatment is necessary. Use an eye shield, like a paper cup placed on the bone around your affected eye. Ensure that you're not putting any pressure on your eye when you're on your way to the doctor. 

Chemical Eye Injury

Besides trauma, your eyes may also sustain damage from chemicals, whether in solid, powder, liquid, or aerosol forms. Exposure to these irritating compounds is an emergency. Damage can take place within a minute or so. Symptoms of chemical eye injury include eye pain or a burning sensation upon exposure to the substance. Other signs include excessive tearing, redness on your eye or eyelid surface, and blurred vision.


Initial treatment often involves rinsing the eye with a continuous stream of cool running water for at least 10 minutes. Never rub your eyes even after washing them out with water. Call your doctor so they can start eye irrigation with a saline solution and evaluate your injury. 

Retinal Tear or Detachment

This is another eye problem that needs urgent medical attention. It's a condition that occurs when your retina pulls away from its normal position. You may not experience any symptoms if only a small part of the retina has detached. But what happens if a significant portion has pulled away? You may not see as clearly as before, and you may even notice other unexpected symptoms. These include floaters across your vision, flashes of light, and a dark shadow on your central or peripheral vision. Treatment for retinal tear depends on the type of detachment you have and how much of your retina has pulled away. Your doctor may recommend freeze treatment or surgery to fix the tear or reattach the detached retina. 

Your eyes are very delicate and can get injured pretty easily. It's a complex organ that's irreplaceable. Do you think you or someone you know may be experiencing an eye emergency? Call Great Lakes Vision Care today in Monroe, Michigan, at (734) 212-5157 for immediate professional medical care.