Emergency Eye Care in Apopka

The cornea is the clear dome on the front of your eye. Sometimes, it can get scratched, like from a fingernail, pet, or even dirt. While minor scratches will likely heal on their own, we recommend always seeing your optometrist for any corneal abrasion. This will help you avoid further complications, such as infection.

If you’ve scratched your cornea:

• Rinse your eye with saline solution or clean, cool water.
• Do not rub or touch your eye.
• Remove your contact lens and avoid using them until the scratch has healed.

Call us for an appointment so we properly treat your corneal abrasion.

Sand, dust, eyelashes, or other foreign particles entering the eye can happen to us all. And while annoying and possibly painful, this usually isn’t an emergency. Our eyes are efficient at blinking or crying out small debris with no lasting harm.

However, sometimes these small particles don’t come out on their own or scratch the cornea. Additionally, large or sharp foreign objects, like metal or glass, can cause significantly more damage, especially if they become embedded in the eye.

If you have a small foreign object in your eye:

• DO NOT rub your eye.
• Try blinking to help small objects move out of your eye.
• Flush your eye with saline solution or clean, clear water.

If you can’t remove the object or it feels like it’s still in your eye, but you’re certain it’s not, give us a call.

If your eye is cut or punctured:

• DO NOT rinse with water.
• DO NOT remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
• DO NOT rub or apply pressure to the eye.
• DO NOT take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication. This may increase bleeding.
• Gently place a shield over the eye. You can use the bottom of a paper cup.

Then call us for an emergency appointment.

Chemical burns can happen at home or work. Depending on the type of chemical that enters your eye, damage can be fairly minor or vision-threatening.

Acid burns can occur if you splash vinegar, nail polish remover, glass polish, battery acid, or bleach, among others. These burns can be irritating and painful and require medical attention.

Alkali burns are significantly more dangerous than acid burns. Caused by drain or oven cleaners, fertilizer, and ammonia, alkalis penetrate the ocular tissue quickly and can cause vision loss or blindness.

If a chemical has splashed in your eyes:

• Immediately flush the eye with cool, clean water for at least 15 minutes.
• Seek immediate emergency medical attention.