Emergency Eye Care in Elizabethtown, NC
Knowing how to respond promptly and appropriately to an eye emergency is essential to protecting your vision, whether it's an unforeseen injury, sudden discomfort, or unexplained vision changes.
Urgent Care for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) and Eye Infections
Eye infections, though often overlooked, can lead to significant discomfort and potential complications if left untreated. One notable eye infection that can affect children and adults alike is conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.
Bacteria, viruses, or allergens can cause pink eye. It is characterized by redness, itching, discharge, and sometimes swelling of the eyes. This contagious condition can spread easily among children in daycare centers, schools, or households, highlighting the importance of maintaining good hygiene.
Bacterial pink eye is typically treated with antibiotics to clear the infection, while viral pink eye tends to resolve on its own within a week or two. Allergic conjunctivitis, triggered by allergens like pollen or pet dander, can be managed by avoiding the allergen and using antihistamine eye drops.
Corneal Abrasions: Protecting the Window to Vision
The cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, plays a key role in focusing light onto the retina. When the cornea sustains an injury or abrasion, it can lead to excruciating pain, light sensitivity, and tearing. Corneal abrasions can occur from various sources, such as accidental scratches, foreign objects, or contact lens complications. Avoid rubbing your eyes and seek immediate care if you suspect a corneal abrasion.
Our treatment may involve applying protective patches, using lubricating eye drops, and sometimes prescribing antibiotics to prevent infection. You may also get scleral contact lenses, which promote healing by resting on the white of the eye and creating a protective barrier of saline on the cornea.
Foreign Body Removal: Dealing with Uninvited Guests
From tiny dust particles to larger foreign objects, our eyes can become unwitting hosts to various intruders. These foreign bodies can cause irritation, redness, tearing, and, in severe cases, damage to the eye.
Attempting to remove a foreign object yourself can potentially lead to more harm. Instead, seek professional care from Bladen Eye Center immediately. We'll provide precise and gentle care to preserve your long-term vision.
Other Eye Emergencies We Treat
- Eye trauma
- Sudden vision loss
- Floaters in the vision
- Stuck contact lenses
- Red or painful eyes
- Flashes in vision