Introduction: When an Eye Injury Needs Prompt Attention
Eye injuries can range from a minor scratch on the surface of the eye to more serious trauma involving the inside of the eye. Because the eye is delicate and vision can be affected quickly, injuries should never be ignored. Ace Medical Care evaluates and treats eye trauma, from scratches and foreign objects to more complex injuries that require surgical repair.
Important: For Life-Threatening or Severe Emergencies, Go to the ER First
If you have a chemical splash to the eye, sudden severe pain, a penetrating injury, or sudden vision loss, rinse the eye with clean water if a chemical is involved and go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Ace Medical Care's office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM, and Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM (closed Saturday and Sunday), so for injuries occurring outside those hours, emergency room care should always come first. Once you have been stabilized, our office can provide follow-up ophthalmic care and, when needed, surgical treatment.
Types of Eye Trauma We Evaluate and Treat
- Corneal abrasions: scratches on the clear surface of the eye, often from fingernails, branches, or foreign debris
- Foreign bodies: dust, metal, or other particles lodged on or in the eye
- Blunt trauma: injuries from an impact, such as a ball, elbow, or fall, which can affect structures inside the eye
- Penetrating or open-globe injuries: injuries that break the surface of the eye and require urgent surgical evaluation
- Traumatic retinal detachment or bleeding: injuries affecting the back of the eye, evaluated by our vitreoretinal surgeon
Signs You Should Be Seen
- Pain, redness, or a feeling that something is in the eye after an injury
- Blurred, double, or reduced vision following trauma
- Visible blood in the white or colored part of the eye
- Swelling or bruising around the eye after an impact
- Sensitivity to light after an eye injury
What to Expect at Your Visit
Evaluation
Our ophthalmology team will examine the eye, assess vision, and check for damage to the surface, internal structures, and retina. Depending on the injury, this may involve dilating the eye for a full internal exam.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury and can range from removing a foreign body and prescribing drops for a corneal abrasion, to coordinating surgical repair for more significant trauma. Dr. Muhamad Festok, MD, our vitreoretinal surgeon, manages injuries affecting the back of the eye, while Dr. Edward Braunstein, MD, brings decades of ophthalmology experience, including a pediatric background, to evaluating trauma in patients of all ages.
Follow-Up Care
Many eye injuries need close monitoring as they heal. We schedule follow-up visits to check that the eye is healing properly and vision is stable.
Protecting Your Eyes Going Forward
- Wear protective eyewear during sports, yard work, or work with tools and chemicals
- Keep sharp objects and chemicals away from eye level when possible
- Seek care promptly for any eye injury, even if symptoms seem mild at first
Need to Be Seen?
For eye injuries occurring during our office hours, contact Ace Medical Care right away. For severe injuries or emergencies outside our hours, go to the nearest emergency room first, then follow up with our team for ongoing eye care.