When a health crisis occurs, it is common to consider visiting the nearest hospital emergency room. However, when the emergency is related to your eyes, consider a trip to your optometrist's office as the first stop. Recent research has shown that treating eye emergencies at eye doctors' offices can potentially divert more than 1 million patients away from ERs each year.

Eye Care Emergencies to Take Directly to Your Optometrist

Foreign Body Removal

With fallen leaves blowing in the wind or activities like woodworking, a foreign body can end up embedded in an eye. The sharp pain, watery eyes, and blurred vision from a foreign body may tempt you to try self-removal — don't. The eye is a fragile organ. Call Dayton Optometric Center at (937) 228-2020 and let our team know you are on your way so we can prepare.

Torn or Lost Contact Lenses

Torn lenses are less likely to stay centered and the jagged edge can scratch the surface of your eye. During allergy seasons, rubbing your eye can cause contacts to fold and get stuck under your upper eyelid. If attempts to remove the lens fail, call or visit your eye doctor for assistance.

Chemical Eye Exposure

All chemicals should be considered dangerous if they encounter your eye. If you are wearing contacts, remove them immediately and flush your eyes with sterile saline or room-temperature water. Then seek urgent care from your trusted eye doctor.

Red and Burning Eyes

Red and burning eyes can be linked to several serious issues including bacteria, mites, allergens, skin diseases, or autoimmune diseases. Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment.

Discharge from the Eye

Discharge from the eye with redness should be evaluated by an eye doctor as quickly as possible, as some causes can be sight-threatening.

Flashes and Floaters

Sudden flashes and floaters must be addressed quickly as they could indicate a retinal detachment or stroke, which can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Sudden Vision Changes

Sudden vision changes — such as losing vision in one eye — are ominous signs that require a prompt diagnosis from your optometrist.

These are just some situations best treated by your trusted eye doctor rather than an ER physician. Contact us for prompt and precise eye care. Call Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering at (937) 228-2020.