If you are experiencing flashing lights, sudden vision loss, wavy vision, painful red eyes, any discharge, unusual light sensitivity, or any injury to the eyes, then call our office immediately or see your regular eye doctor without delay. 435-673-5577.

Eye injuries are nearly always serious and should be seen IMMEDIATELY by an eye doctor. In almost every case, unless an emergency room has an eye doctor on staff and the proper diagnostic equipment (which they rarely do), eye emergencies are much better cared for in almost any eye doctor's office.

Some injuries to the eye are self evident. You will know that emergency measures are needed. But some blows to the eye may not seem immediately threatening. It is possible to have a penetrating injury that lacks severe pain and sudden vision loss, yet can be both life and vision threatening. If anything hits your eye, see an eye doctor first. Emergency rooms are least equipped to detect these types of injuries. The nature and extent of an injury will determine how and where it is managed.

Blunt Trauma

Blows to the eye can cause internal bleeding, external trauma and scarring, cataract, or damage to delicate structures inside the eye. The final outcome of these injuries often depend on immediate intervention.

Penetrating injury

Any penetration of the eye is a breach of the blood-brain barrier. As such, infections inside the eye are considered life threatening emergencies. If the inside of the eye becomes infected, it is possible for the infection to spread to the brain. Foreign objects inside the eye also pose an acute threat to vision. They almost always require surgical intervention. Seek help at once if you think it is possible your eye could have been penetrated by any object.

Foreign Body

Objects that lodge anywhere in the surface tissues of the eye or eyelid are rarely life threatening, but can be sight threatening, and extremely uncomfortable. Commonly, metallic dust will stick in the cornea after grinding, welding, or even being in a windy environment. They can leave scars and rust rings which can harm vision. Usually they become painful enough to demand attention. Your eye doctor can easily take care of these injuries in his/her office. The sooner these injuries are taken care of the better off you will be. Emergency rooms are not well equipped to handle these injuries.