Emergency Eye Care

Emergency eye care can become necessary at any moment due to illness or accident. At Atlantic Eye Consultants, the team of eye care professionals reserve slots for urgent care, so you don't have to panic. If you have an emergency, don't hesitate to reach out. Call one of the offices in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Titusville, Rockledge, or Palm Bay, Florida, or request an appointment online today.

How should I respond to an eye care emergency? 

The greater the threat to your eyes and vision, the more crucial it is to seek immediate medical attention. Err on the side of caution until advised otherwise by a medical professional. Your eyesight is too valuable to take lightly.

If your emergency happens during office hours, reach out to the team at Atlantic Eye Consultants first. Our staff of optometrists and specialists can discuss your options, which may involve scheduling an urgent office visit or directing you to the nearest emergency medical care facility.

Why would I need emergency eye care? 

Here's a list of urgent or emergency care issues affecting your eyes, along with immediate actions you can take while arranging medical care. Please note that this is a general first-aid guideline and not a substitute for on-the-spot medical advice.

Abnormal pupil size

If you notice sudden or unexplained changes in your pupil size, especially in one eye, seek immediate medical attention.

Blood in the white of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)

There's no first aid treatment. Seek medical care promptly.

Chemical splashes

Flush the affected eye with cool water for 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open. If wearing contact lenses, remove them after flushing, unless the flushing itself washes away the lens.

Cuts to the eyelid

Gently flush the eye with clean water. Apply gentle pressure with a clean, dry cloth if bleeding occurs, then cover with a clean dressing and a cold compress.

Vision loss

Serious vision loss is often painless but requires immediate medical attention, as there's usually a limited time window for successful treatment.

Foreign objects

Refrain from rubbing the affected eye. If assistance is available, attempt gentle flushing to remove the object. Avoid touching the eye's surface. Even if flushing is successful, seek medical care as soon as possible.

If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency or not, reach out to Atlantic Eye Consultants. They can guide you on the appropriate next steps. 

What if my doctor is unavailable? 

Call 9-1-1 to arrange emergency treatment and transportation, or safely drive the patient to an emergency care facility.

To learn more about emergency eye care, call the office or request an appointment online.