Recognizing and Treating Eye Emergencies in Illinois
Southern Illinois Eyecare is your trusted partner in times of eye emergencies. We are here for you when something unexpected happens to your eyes.
We’ll provide prompt and expert care to safeguard your vision and overall eye health in Chester, Pinckneyville, Sparta and Du Quoin.
The Importance of Emergency Eye Care
Proper intervention can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage and complications in critical moments.
Whether you're experiencing sudden pain, irritation, or visual disturbances, our emergency care provides immediate relief and comfort. Contact us during office hours to request an emergency appointment.
Common Eye Emergencies and Conditions
We treat a variety of eye emergencies, including but not limited to:
- Eye Infections: Eye infections can arise suddenly, causing redness, discharge, and discomfort. We rapidly diagnose and treat various eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and bacterial or viral infections, to prevent the spread of infection, promoting a quicker recovery.
- Corneal Abrasions: Corneal abrasions, or scratches on the eye's surface, can occur due to foreign objects, contact lens issues, or trauma. Swift attention is crucial for avoiding infections and maintaining the integrity of your cornea.
- Foreign Body Removal: When a foreign body becomes lodged in the eye, it requires immediate removal to prevent further damage and discomfort. Our expert foreign body removal ensures we safely extract objects like metal, wood, or debris.
What to Do During an Eye Emergency
Should you ever experience an eye-related emergency, keep the following tips in mind:
- Stay Calm and Seek Immediate Assistance: In an eye emergency, it's essential to stay calm and contact our emergency eye care hotline or visit our nearest location during office hours for prompt evaluation and intervention.
- Avoid Rubbing or Applying Pressure: If you suspect a foreign body is in your eye, resist the urge to rub it, which can worsen the issue. Instead, gently rinse your eye with clean water if possible.
- Protective Measures for Eye Injuries: Placing a protective shield around the eye, such as a clean and flat object, can help prevent further injury during your drive to our emergency eye care facility.
- Do Not Attempt to Remove Embedded Objects: If you have a foreign object embedded in your eye, it's crucial not to remove it alone.
- Flush the Eye with Clean Water: In situations involving chemical exposure, immediately flush the affected eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
- No Self-Medication: Avoid applying pressure to the eye, and refrain from using any medications or ointments without professional guidance.
