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How to Respond to Physical Eye Injuries Effectively

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The eyes are incredibly delicate organs that our body does its best to protect. While it’s easy to think about illnesses like glaucoma, infections, and cataracts as the only threats to the eye, incidents that occur due to workplace mishaps, sports-related injuries, or everyday accidents can jeopardize the health of the eye. When these accidents happen, it’s essential to act quickly by visiting an optometrist near Woodbridge for emergency care and eye exams. Dr. Brian Abrams and our experienced medical professionals offer high-quality and prompt eye care.

Read on to learn how to respond to physical eye injuries. 

Types of Physical Eye Emergencies

The proper response and aftercare to physical injuries start with emergency eye care, including eye exams and follow-ups to help preserve the longevity of your ocular health. 

  • Corneal Abrasions: Often, the impact of a corneal abrasion is minor, but it is one of the most common injuries people experience in their eyes. And in some cases, the damage can be severe enough to warrant a visit to a top optometrist in Woodbridge. The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye which can be scratched by foreign objects such as dust, fingernails, sand, or other foreign bodies in the eye. You may feel pain and notice redness around your eye; if a corneal abrasion is causing difficulties or discomfort for a prolonged period of time, you should visit Dr.Brian Abrams for a comprehensive eye exam. A trusted optometrist will check for tearing and any infections that may be present. 
  • Chemical Burns: Many people don’t realize that many chemicals we interact with daily can harm our eyes if protective gear is not worn. From bleach and nail polish remover to cleaning agents, drain cleaners, and fertilizers, chemicals are an important part of household tasks and many workplace settings. In commercial settings, you may have an eyewash station nearby, which you should immediately visit in the case of chemical contact with your eye, removing any contacts with clean hands. Once your eyes have been flushed out extensively, call your optometrist’s office for a secondary assessment.
  • Thermal or Flash Burn: Intense flashes of light, heat, or flames can cause burns to the surface of the eye. Thermal or flash burns can be caused by proximity to fires, explosions, steam, soldering/welding, or even sunlight. The best way to avoid these emergency eye injuries is by following safety guidelines when working with hazardous materials and always wearing UV-protection glasses when participating in outdoor activities or welding. The symptoms of a flash burn include cornea damage, intense pain and redness, and sudden light sensitivity. If you experience any of these symptoms in the wake of a flash-related incident, you should immediately visit an emergency eye care centre, whether it’s your optometrist in Woodbridge or urgent care centre. 

Prompt & Reliable Emergency Eye Care Services

When you’re concerned about your eye health following a physical injury, time is of the essence. While offices are open, the best response is to visit a leading optometrist near you who you trust, like Dr. Brian Abrams. If it’s after business hours, immediately visit a hospital for emergency eye care and eye exams, notifying your doctor at your earliest convenience. Dr. Brian Abrams and the entire optometry team will guide you through evaluation and treatment to help produce the best results possible. 

Contact Us Today to Learn More. 

Written by Brian Abrams

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