Trusted Emergency Eye Care in Nashville You Can Count On
In unexpected eye emergencies, trust Donelson Eye Care for immediate solutions. We provide urgent care for various cases, including eye infections, foreign body removal, corneal abrasions, and more, ensuring your eye health is in capable hands.
Signs of an Eye Emergency
Eye emergencies include situations where immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent permanent damage or vision loss. Signs of an eye care emergency may include:
- Partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Any injury to the eye, especially if there is pain, bleeding, or changes in vision
- A foreign object entering the eye
- Contact with chemicals
- Severe and sudden eye pain
- Eye infections (redness, pain, discharge)
- The sudden appearance of flashes of light or an increase in floaters
- Seeing double suddenly
- Blurriness, distortion, or changes in the field of vision
- Seeing halos around lights
If you experience these signs, seek immediate medical attention at Donelson Eye Care.
What Should You Do in an Eye Emergency?
In case of an eye emergency, here's what you should and should not do:
You Should:
- Seek Medical Help: Contact our emergency optometrists for urgent eye care if you experience any of the above symptoms
- Rinse Gently: If a foreign object is in your eye, rinse it gently with clean water or saline solution
- Protect the Eye: If an object is in the eye, cover it with a clean, protective shield
You Should Not:
- Rub the Eye: Rubbing can cause further damage or spread irritation
- Remove Embedded Objects: Do not attempt to remove any object embedded in the eye
- Wait for Symptoms to Worsen: Do not delay seeking medical help in case of severe pain, sudden vision loss, or any alarming symptoms
- Use Dry Cotton or Instruments: Avoid using dry cotton, including cotton swabs or sharp instruments like tweezers on the eye
Urgent Eye Care FAQ
What is a Corneal Abrasion?
A corneal abrasion occurs when the cornea's outermost layer, the eye's clear front surface, becomes scratched or damaged. This can result from various causes, such as foreign objects, eye rubbing, or accidental trauma. Corneal abrasions can lead to discomfort, pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. We recommend immediate medical attention to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
Does Pink Eye Require Urgent Care?
Viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants can cause pink eye (conjunctivitis). It's characterized by redness, itching, tearing, and discharge from the eye. While pink eye is usually not a medical emergency, it's still important to seek medical advice if you experience these symptoms.
Can You Go to Urgent Care for an Eye Issue?
It's not always essential to visit an emergency room for eye emergencies. Research indicates that most individuals seeking urgent eye care in emergency rooms could have received appropriate treatment from an optometrist. Our optometrists are well-equipped to assist with various eye issues.