Most of us rely on our vision for just about everything we do in daily life. From the moment you wake up to the time when you finally lay your head down on the pillow at night, you’re probably using your eyes to complete your work, assess the safety of certain situations, and to connect with those you love. 

So when something goes wrong, our entire ability to function as normal goes out the window. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people worldwide currently live with some type of vision impairment, while the National Eye Institute predicts that the number of people diagnosed with common eye diseases will double between 2010 and 2050. While professional care can catch some of these conditions before they become debilitating, you may not always be able to plan for an eye-related emergency.

Whether you're dealing with dangerous substances or you suffer an eye injury while playing a sport, you'll want to know exactly what to do if you find yourself in this scenario. Gaining a clear understanding of the events that are more likely to culminate in an eye emergency, as well as the right steps to take if you become injured, will allow you to avoid risky scenarios and seek out the best possible medical care right away. 

Common examples of eye emergencies

The US National Library of Medicine notes that “eye emergencies include cuts, scratches, objects in the eye, burns, chemical exposure, and blunt injuries to the eye or eyelid.” If your eyes come into contact with foreign objects or chemicals--or if you sustain an injury or burn to the eye area--this would likely qualify as an eye-related emergency.

Chemical exposure or burns can occur when a chemical agent (such as a cleaning product, a gardening chemical, or an industrial agent, as well as fumes or aerosol products) comes into contact with the eyes. While acids may cause only temporary symptoms, alkaline products can lead to permanent damage. Regardless of the pH level of the product, prompt treatment is essential to preserve overall eye health. 

It’s not uncommon for foreign objects to become stuck in or around one’s eye. Many of us have experienced the unpleasant sensation of having sand or dust in our eyes while walking. In most cases, these small objects can be flushed out without incident. However, larger foreign objects like glass or metal can also make their way into your eyes and can do significant damage. While you don’t usually have to worry about fishing small particles out, you should not try to remove shards of materials yourself, as this can make matters worse. These kinds of emergencies, as well as cuts or scratches to the eye, should be examined immediately by a medical professional.

Accidents and sports injuries can also result in eye emergencies. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, an estimated 2.4 million eye injuries occur throughout the United States each year. And while protective eyewear can prevent a staggering 90 percent of all eye injuries, there are instances wherein you might not even anticipate the possibility of sustaining a black eye or other physical injuries. If you get hurt while playing a sport, you can typically seek out urgent care services for a wound or fracture. But if you sustained damage to your eyes during an athletic event, you’ll usually want to head to an emergency department. Eye injuries like these can also occur at work, around your home, or while out at social events.

Where to seek treatment for eye emergencies

There are some scenarios that may warrant an appointment with an eye specialist or that can be attended to by staff at an urgent care center. However, any true emergency needs to be handled by hospital personnel. Because your eyes can become damaged so easily, it’s essential to obtain expert treatment immediately. The longer you wait, the worse your injury could become and the more difficult it might be to treat. With something as crucial as your vision, you can’t afford to take a “wait and see” approach. 

By ensuring you follow all guidelines pertaining to eye exam frequency, avoiding activities that could strain or harm your eyes, and taking immediate steps to pursue treatment when warranted, you can effectively protect your eyes for a long time to come.