5 Signs You Have an Ocular Emergency and How to Handle It

Are you experiencing changes to your vision, eye pain, or redness? Here are 5 sure-fire signs that you should seek emergency eye care straight away.

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Our eyes are an important part of our health, which is why it’s so important to schedule regular visits at your local eye clinic. At Sunridge, we accept walk-ins based on availability, and our eye doctors can perform comprehensive eye exams which will:

• Assess your near and distant vision
• Check and update your prescription
• Check your eye coordination and movement
• Be able to detect any eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts

Remember: Many eye conditions do not have any symptoms in their early stages, which is why it’s so important to visit an eye doctor. Such a professional has the tools and expertise to catch issues early on and prevent any vision loss.

 

Walk In Eye Clinic Calgary

At Sunridge Eye Clinic, our optometrists are committed to keeping your vision clear and comfortable. While our eye clinics can accept walk-ins, it’s always advisable to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor in advance. From glaucoma testing to eye emergency care and contact lens fittings, we offer a wide range of ocular services to suit all your needs.

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5 Signs You Have an Ocular Emergency and How to Handle It

Your eyes are incredibly important organs, but they are also vulnerable to infection and injury. To protect your vision, it’s important to know how to handle common eye emergencies and recognize signs of serious eye conditions that require a prompt visit to your optometrist.

Here are some common eye emergencies and how to handle them:

 

1. Eye Injury

If you get hit or poked in the eye, you could have a scratched cornea, and may develop symptoms such as tearing, pain, and the feeling that something is stuck in your eye. After the incident, attempt to wash your eye with saline or clean water and see if the irritation dissipates.

If symptoms persist: You should visit your eye doctor, who may treat the injury with an eye path and/or antibiotic ointment. Before getting to the doctor, avoid rubbing your eyes and wearing contact lenses.

 

2. Bruised Eye

Has your eye injury resulted in a black eye? You should immediately apply a cold compress on the area without pressing down on your eye. Do this for a couple of days (3-4 times a day) and watch to see if the swelling and bruising goes down.

You should see an eye doctor right away if a black eye has led to:

• Vision loss
• Severe pain
• Unusual pupil size or shape
• Blood in your eye
• Cuts or tears in your eyelid

Calgary Emergency Eyecare

 

3. You’re Experiencing Floaters

Floaters are specks in your eyesight and while they are common and often temporary, a sudden batch of new ones could be a sign of something more serious, such as a retinal tearing or detachment. If you are experiencing floaters along with flashes of light, then you need to visit your optometrist straight away.

 

4. Pink or Red Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition and will often resolve on its own. However, you should visit your emergency eye clinic straight away if your symptoms worsen or you have:

• Intense redness and/or pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision

Remember, vision loss can happen in an instant, so if you are concerned about a pink or red eye, it’s always best to visit your optometrist.

 

5. Sudden Vision Loss

Have you suddenly developed tunnel vision, double vision, blind spots, or other distortions in your vision? These could be signs of a stroke or other serious  medical conditions, and you must seek immediate medical attention.

Similarly, if you see a curtain-like shadow develop over your vision, you should visit your emergency eye doctor. This could be a sign of a retinal detachment which, if not treated promptly, can lead to permanent vision loss.

 

Call Today

Are you experiencing changes in your vision? Do you need a prescription upgrade? To find out more about our vision services, and how our optometrists can ensure your eyes are healthy and your vision is clear, visit our Calgary eye clinic at 2525 36 St NE, Unit 157.

Alternatively, you can contact our optometrists at 403-280-7518 or book an appointment online.