Emergency Eye Care: Quick Attention for Your Vision Needs

Eye emergencies require immediate attention to prevent severe damage and preserve your vision. At Dr. Lewis Eye Care, we offer prompt care for a wide range of eye conditions, including injuries, sudden vision loss, dry eye complications, and foreign objects in the eye. Located in Camas, our practice is equipped with advanced technology and a compassionate team to ensure you receive effective care.

What is an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency involves sudden symptoms or injuries affecting the eye. Common eye emergencies include:

• Trauma or Eye Injury: Cuts, punctures, or blunt force trauma to the eye.
• Foreign Objects: Materials like sand, metal, or glass lodged in the eye.
• Chemical Exposure: Harmful chemicals causing burns or damage to the eye.
• Sudden Vision Loss: Unexpected loss of vision caused by risk factors like a family history of eye conditions and more.
• Pain or Redness: Severe pain or redness.
• Flashes and Floaters: This could signal retinal detachment.
• Complications Caused by Contact Lenses: Corneal abrasions, infections, or severe dry eye related to prolonged contact lens wear.

What to Do in an Eye Emergency

In the event of an eye emergency, follow these steps is essential for minimizing damage to your vision:

1. Stay Calm: This prevents potentially worsening the injury.
2. Contact Our Office: Call Dr. Lewis Eye Care, your trusted eye doctor in Camas, immediately.
3. Don't Remove Foreign Objects: If an object is lodged in your eye, let a professional handle removal.
4. Avoid Touching, Rubbing or Applying Pressure to the Eye: This can cause additional damage, especially if a foreign object is present.
5. Protect the Eye: Don't touch or attempt to remove foreign objects. Instead, shield the eye with a clean cloth or eye shield.
6. Flush the Eye: For chemical exposure, rinse your eye with water for 15–30 minutes and seek medical attention.
7. Never Self Medicate: Avoid using eye drops or ointments unless directed by an eye care professional.

How to Prevent Eye Emergencies

Although accidents can’t always be avoided, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of eye emergencies:

1. Wear Protective Eyewear: Use goggles or safety glasses during sports, construction, or while working with chemicals.
2. Handle Contact Lenses Properly: Clean and store your lenses correctly, and avoid wearing them longer than recommended. This helps prevent infections or abrasions.
3. Be Cautious with Chemicals: Always handle cleaning agents and other harsh chemicals carefully, ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding contact with your face or eyes. Safety goggles can prevent unforeseen accidents.
4. Monitor Your Eye Health: Regular eye exams in Camas can detect potential risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or family history of eye conditions before they lead to emergencies.

When You Should Visit the ER

If you experience an eye emergency outside of our business hours, take the following steps:

1. Go to the Nearest Emergency Room: Seek urgent care to prevent further damage.
2. Follow Up with Us: Call our office the next business day to arrange a follow-up evaluation with our experienced eye care professional.

During business hours, it’s better to see our eye doctor rather than visiting the ER. Optometrists are specifically trained to manage eye injuries and emergencies, unlike physicians who don't specialize in eye care.