Eye Emergencies Specialists

What qualifies as an eye emergency?

Any illness or injury that affects your eyes, causes pain, impacts your vision, or can’t wait until the next available opening usually constitutes an eye emergency.

Some examples of common eye emergencies include:

• Eye infection
• Inflammation
• Red eye
• Foreign body
• Chemical exposure
• Trauma
• Corneal abrasion (cut or scrape)
• Corneal ulcer

These types of conditions usually require immediate care. The providers at Fuerst Eye Center offer same-day appointments in these situations, so you don’t have to wait or get treated somewhere else. 

If your symptoms affect more than just your eyes, you’re bleeding heavily, or you suffered severe trauma from an accident, you may need to call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do in an eye emergency?

The best action to take in an eye emergency is to contact the medical practice for recommendations and an appointment. They may be able to give you ideas on how to take care of your eyes over the phone until you can see the doctor.

Below are some basic guidelines for common eye emergencies: 

• A foreign object in the eye: try to rinse with clean water or artificial tear eye drops
• A foreign object embedded in the eye: bandage the eye and get help right away
• Chemical exposure: flush the eye with water for 15 minutes and get immediate help
• Abrasion: apply a cool compress 

Try not to rub your eyes or remove objects that are stuck in your eye with tweezers or another tool. Make sure to see your ophthalmologist for these kinds of problems rather than trying to treat them on your own.

How are eye emergencies treated?

As full-service ophthalmology providers, Dr. Nicole Fuerst and Dr. David Fuerst can treat many common eye emergencies right at their West Covina and Glendale, California practices. Treatment varies depending on the type and extent of the condition, but they do everything they can to protect your vision.

Some common treatments the ophthalmologists use for the eye emergencies listed above include:

• Removal of a foreign object
• Corneal culture
• Eye patch
• Antibiotics and other medications
• Medicated eye drops

If you sustain a major injury, your eye may require surgical repair, which your expert ophthalmologist can discuss with you.

If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, call the office to schedule a same-day appointment. For nonemergencies, you can request an eye appointment online.