What's an eyecare emergency?

As we've all seen throughout New York State this week, many healthcare facilities are only able to treat emergencies while open. The rest of our everyday, non-essential treatments have stopped for a period of time. We all hope it's safe to resume our full practice soon. 

So, what is an eye emergency? We thought it would be helpful to tell you about some of the eye issues we are seeing, that we would want you to contact your ophthalmologist about.

If you are experiencing any of the following problems with your eyes, please call your Ophthalmologist. If you need us, we are here for emergencies, Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Call us at (585) 454-8447 ext.0. You will reach Kim Fullone, RN Director of Clinical Services, who will triage your emergency and get you in to see Dr. Lindahl, if needed.

Retinal Issues

These symptoms may be a sign of retinal detachment, which is painless. The good news is the warning signs always appear before it occurs. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and can cause blindness.

• sudden appearance of floaters, tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision
• flashes of light in one or both eyes
• sudden blurred vision
• a decrease in your side (peripheral) vision
• shadows appear in your vision

Glaucoma (Angle-Closure Acute Attack)

This occurs when the eye pressure increases quickly, causing an acute attack of angular closing. Symptoms include:

• migraine headache 
• hazy or blurred vision
• severe eye and head pain
• nausea or vomiting with severe eye pain
• appearance of rainbow-colored circles around bright lights
• sudden sight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate care from your eye doctor.

Infections

Your hands carry more germs than any other part of your body. When you rub your eye, these germs are easily transferred and can often result in infections like conjunctivitis, otherwise known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis can also be a symptom of the coronavirus.

• red eyes with discharge
• eye burning or stinging
• one eye not moving like the other
• double vision
• new or severe headaches
• eye bulging 
• different pupil size different in each eye -either constant or intermittent

Eye Injuries

• eye swelling
• eye redness
• light sensitivity 
• double vision
• eye pain

After any trauma to the eye, apply a cold compress, without putting pressure on the eye, to reduce the pain until you can see your doctor. Do no try to remove an object penetrating your eye. Shield the eye with a paper cup and see your doctor immediately. 

If you get chemicals in your eye, flush with saline or water for 15 minutes. If you have on contacts, attempt to remove them first. Do no try to neutralize the chemical with some other chemical or substance. Flush thoroughly and call your doctor.

Again, if you need us, we are here for emergencies, Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Call us at (585) 454-8447 ext.0. You will reach Kim Fullone, RN Director of Clinical Services who will triage your emergency and get you in to see Dr. Lindahl, our Ophthalmologist, if necessary. If not, she will tell you what to do next.

Stay safe!