There are eye injuries that require immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. The injuries can be from different accidents or injuries. For example, puncture wounds can result in vision loss. 

Immediately following an eye injury, the steps you take can determine whether you can save your sight. It is vital to understand common eye emergencies and know what to do about them. 
 

Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye)

Visit an eye doctor if something scratches your eye or you get eye lacerations. Corneal abrasions can result from damage from a foreign object and a poke in the eye. Scratches to the eye are very uncomfortable, and they can cause eye redness and sensitivity to light. They also make the eyes susceptible to infections. 
 

What to Do

If you get a scratch in the eye, avoid rubbing it and do not patch the eye. An eye patch can provide an environment for bacteria to grow. Keep the injured eye closed or tape a loose eye shield or paper cup to prevent further injury. Get to the emergency room immediately to have a doctor look at the injury. 
 

Foreign Object Penetrating the Eye

Another eye emergency occurs when a foreign object penetrates the eye. It can be a metal or glass shard, a fish hook, or any other sharp object. When this happens, get to the emergency room immediately. Some smaller objects may not penetrate the eye interior, but they can harm the cornea. 
 

What to Do

If a foreign object penetrates the eye, do not try to remove it. Trying to remove it can cause more injury to the eye. You should also avoid rubbing the eye. If possible, tape a paper cup over the eye to protect it and then seek emergency care. Foreign bodies like metal can create a rust ring and lead to scar formation. 
 

Chemical Burns (Caustic Substances)

Getting sprayed or splashed in the eye by chemicals and other substances can cause serious damage. Some substances may sting and cause redness but do not cause much damage, but others can cause blindness. 

Most acids can wash out easily and do not leave lasting damage. Alkalis tend to be more serious, even though the initial sting is less. Most household and garden cleaners are alkali.
 

What to Do

If any chemicals get into your eyes, try flushing the eyes using clean water. Put your head under a tap or steady stream of water and allow the water to run into your eye. Do this for around 15 minutes. Call your eye doctor or get to the emergency room as soon as possible. You should inform the doctor of the type of substance that got into the eye. 
 

Other Common Injuries

Other common eye injuries require emergency care. They include swollen eyes resulting from blunt force, eye bleeding or subconjunctival hemorrhage, and traumatic iritis or iris inflammation. 

If you experience any eye injury, you need to contact your eye doctor immediately. You should have emergency contact numbers in case of eye injuries or trauma. 

For more on eye emergencies and what to do about them, visit Albright Eyecare at our office in New Braunfels, Texas. You can call (830) 271-4900 today to schedule an appointment.