Edmonton's Go-To for Eye Care Emergencies

Are you experiencing sudden changes in your vision or eye discomfort? Don't wait; these could be signs of an urgent eye condition. At Prairie Eye Care, our team can handle various urgent eye conditions, ensuring you receive immediate attention and care when needed. Whether it's an infection, injury, or sudden vision loss, our clinic will assess and treat your eye emergencies promptly and effectively.

Why You Should See an Eye Doctor for Eye Emergencies

Visiting an optometrist during an eye emergency is critical for several reasons. Eye doctors have the experience to diagnose and treat eye emergencies using advanced diagnostic tools. This ensures that conditions ranging from infections to diseases like glaucoma are promptly and effectively addressed, preventing misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment that could lead to severe complications or permanent vision loss. Eye doctors can also provide immediate, specific treatments for managing eye emergencies, such as prescribing medications or removing foreign objects. Moreover, they offer follow-up care to monitor recovery, prevent a recurrence, and adjust treatment as necessary.

Eye Emergency? Know These Symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of eye emergencies is crucial for seeking timely treatment and protecting your vision. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Sudden vision loss
• Severe, persistent eye pain
• Flashes of light or floaters
• Any exposure to chemicals
• A foreign object stuck in the eye
• Eye redness
• Sensitivity to light.
• Bleeding or discharge
• Swelling

Types of Vision Emergencies and What to Do

Foreign Object in Your Eye

If you suspect a foreign object has entered your eye, do not rub it, as this can scratch the cornea or embed the object deeper. Try blinking several times to see if tears will flush out the particle. If blinking does not help, gently pull your upper eyelid over the lower eyelid or use clean water or a saline solution to rinse your eye.

If the object is large, sharp, or causing significant pain, do not attempt to remove it yourself or use tweezers or other tools; this could cause more damage. Avoid using cotton swabs or any other non-sterile items on the eye. Instead, cover the eye with a clean cloth or a lightweight cup and seek immediate medical attention from an eye care professional.

Eye Infections

Eye infections can be uncomfortable and potentially serious. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, which can spread the infection or introduce additional bacteria. Do not use over-the-counter eye drops without consulting an eye care professional. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately and switch to glasses until your infection is gone. Consult an eye doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Corneal Abrasions

A corneal abrasion, a scratch on the cornea's surface, is a common but painful eye injury that requires careful handling to prevent complications. It's crucial not to rub your eye, as this can exacerbate the injury and introduce bacteria. Avoid wearing contact lenses until the abrasion has fully healed, as they can irritate the injury further and increase the risk of infection. Seek immediate medical attention from an eye care professional, who may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and offer proper treatment to promote healing.

Vision Emergency? Prairie Eye Care is Here to Help

Our clinic is fully prepared to address a wide range of eye emergencies. Our eye doctors use advanced diagnostic tools to quickly determine the cause of your eye issue and implement the appropriate treatment. Contact us for immediate assistance and support.