Eye Emergency: What Are the Warning Signs?

Optometrist: emergency situations

A visit to the optometrist is necessary in the following situations:

Since the eye is easily damaged, each of these conditions can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your eyesight!

It’s important to see a doctor for injuries and problems affecting the eyes or eyelids. Eye problems (such as a painful red eye or vision loss) that aren’t due to an injury also require urgent medical attention.

Corneal injury

An injury or infection of the cornea, the eye’s transparent front window, can cause severe visual impairment.

Blunt trauma

Blunt trauma to the eye or face often causes bleeding under the skin that leaves a bruise known as a “black eye.” The tissue around the eye turns black and blue, gradually becoming purple, green and yellow over several days as the blood is absorbed. The discoloration disappears within 2 weeks.

Swelling of the eyelid and surrounding tissue may also occur. Sometimes serious damage to the eye itself occurs due to pressure from a swollen eyelid or face.
Certain types of skull fractures can cause bruising around the eyes, even without direct injury to the eye.

Common causes of blunt trauma include things like fists, tennis balls and airbags.

Blunt trauma can cause a hyphema, which is blood inside the front of the eye. The blood can block your view of the iris and pupil.

Penetrating eye injury

Penetrating injuries can be caused by objects such as knives, ice picks, sticks, nails and gunshots.
These injuries can be severe and generally require repair by a surgeon. Loss of the eye is not uncommon in cases of severe injury.
Foreign bodies projected at high speed by machining, grinding or hammering are other causes of penetrating trauma.

Chemical injury

A chemical injury to the eye can be caused by a workplace accident. It can also be caused by common household products such as cleaning solutions, garden chemicals, solvents or other types of chemicals. Fumes and aerosols can also cause chemical burns.
With acid burns, the haze on the cornea often clears and there is a good chance of recovery.
Alkaline substances such as lime, lye, drain cleaners and sodium hydroxide found in refrigeration equipment can cause permanent damage to the cornea.
It’s important to rinse the eye with large amounts of clean water or saline solution. This type of injury requires immediate medical attention.

Non-penetrating object in the eye and corneal injuries

The cornea is the clear (transparent) tissue covering the front of the eye.
Dust, sand and other debris can easily become embedded in the cornea without penetrating the eyeball. Persistent pain, light sensitivity and redness are signs that treatment is needed.
An eyelid injury can be a sign of a serious injury to the eye itself.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of injury, one of the following symptoms may be present:

Eye exams in Montreal

Taking care of your eyesight is important. An eye exam not only tells you whether you need new glasses, it also lets you check the health of your eyes and give them the best protection.

Eye exams in Montreal: what do our clients think?

I had an eye exam and got my glasses 10 minutes later. Beautiful glasses. Very attentive optician ☺️

Nathalie Tremblay

Thank you so much for your kindness and excellent company! I got great service, both for my eye exam and my purchase…

Sophie Fernier

A beautiful choice of quality frames. Professional and efficient service, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Perfect for a new pair of glasses!

Benoit Chegaray

Because your eyesight is precious, it’s important to take care of it. Have your vision checked regularly by an eye care professional. Come meet one of our optometrists for a complete eye exam. Book online using our tool or contact us by phone through our Contact page.

You can book an appointment directly online, by phone, or in person by visiting us in store.

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Explanations from the Art d’y Voir experts…

A few definitions

Nearsighted? Farsighted? Astigmatism? Presbyopia? All of this may sound a bit blurry — and that’s putting it mildly! Don’t worry, we’ll explain it all. Visit our definitions page. While you’re there, learn about the different types of lenses available and their specific features. There’s plenty to open your eyes to!