We are here when you need us
Sometimes the unexpected happens, and when it does, you need to know you have somewhere safe to get help.
Optical Eyeworks wants to be that safe place for you.
We accommodate emergency appointments whenever possible and do our best to get you in quickly. If you require emergency eye care, contact us as soon as possible. We will ask you some questions and provide the next steps based on your situation.
Your optometrist is often the best choice in an emergency
Your optometrist may be more equipped to handle eye care emergencies than your general practitioner, local emergency room, or urgent care centre.
Because optometrists specialize in eye care, we often have the technology and resources for eye care that emergency facilities and family doctor practices don’t have. Before visiting the emergency room, call our office to find out if we can help.
Symptoms of an emergency
Seek emergency medical help if you notice:
- A cut or scratch on your eye
- Bleeding from your eye
- Sudden vision loss
- Sudden increase in flashes
- Sudden increase in floaters
- White, yellow, or green discharge
- Uneven pupil sizes
- Severe eye pain
What to do if…
The first thing you need to do is flush out your eyes with cool, clean water for at least 15 minutes. Your eyes may feel better after a few minutes, but it’s absolutely crucial that you continue flushing for the full 15.
Once you have finished flushing out your eye, seek medical attention.
If something is actually embedded in the tissue of your eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, seek immediate medical attention.
If the object is stuck to your eye but not actually embedded in the tissue, you may be able to get it out on your own. Try flushing the eye out with cool, clean water. The water may unstick the object from your ocular surface, washing it out of your eye.
If that doesn’t work, do not rub your eye and do not attempt to use tools like tweezers to remove the object. Instead, see a medical professional for help.
