February 28, 2021

Accidents and injuries happen upon us at the most inconvenient times and usually when we are least prepared!

 

Our eyes are extremely sensitive, and we rely on them fully for vision, so any trauma or significant pain should never be treated at home. Professional attention is best to prevent permanent damage.

 

Act fast and be prepared with this list:

 

Foreign Body in the Eye

You may have experienced an eyelash or piece of dust in the eye before, there are more serious particulates that need to be treated such as sand, metal, glass, or other misc. debris.
Follow these steps: Do Not rub the eye, Do Not attempt to remove the particle, instead Rinse with eyewash. Lift each lid individually to rinse carefully and try to flush the eye well. If you continue to have eye pain, pain with blinking, sensitivity to light, excess watering, call us immediately for an appointment. It is important to get treated quickly when dealing with the delicate tissue on the surface of the eye.

 

Also, debris in the eye may cause additional complications like a cut or abrasion to the eye…

 

Cut or Abrasion  

Symptoms include eye pain, pain with blinking, and blurred vision. Seek medical attention! It is ok to close the eyelid and tape or cover gently to limit the “feel” or pain you may be experiencing.

 

Chemical Burns

Another eye injury requiring prompt actions are chemical burns. If any chemical encounters your eyes, it can be extremely debilitating and painful. Usually occurring from direct contact with the eyes such as spraying cleaner in the eyes or by transfer. This happens if you touch a chemical and fail to wash your hands before touching your eyes. Example: those delicious jalapenos you chopped for salsa this morning, leave an oil residue on your fingers and if you later rub your eyes unintentionally, an instant burning may occur!  It is always advised to rinse or flush the eye for 15 minutes with water first and then call us for an urgent medical appointment.

 

Vision Problems

Sometimes there is no obvious injury, but your vision is affected anyway. If you notice sudden visual disturbances or have severe pain, it is essential to get your eyes checked by a professional. Good news, that is what Dr. Day and East Main Vision provide daily! We offer same day emergency appointments, call, and talk to a triage technician to help identify your level of medical emergency.

 

Don’t forget, systemic conditions are also a leading cause of sight threatening side effects or vision loss. Work with your primary care physician to control blood sugars and diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and dry eyes, and hypertension and bleeding. We work closely with other specialized providers to keep you “Living your best life, with your best vision”!

 

Learn more about same day emergency eye care services, contact East Main Vision Clinic in Puyallup WA at 253-780-0700 to schedule an annual eye exam.