Skip to main content

What Constitutes an Eye Emergency?

What Constitutes an Eye Emergency?

We all deal with stuff getting in our eyes, from specks of dust to eyelashes. But when it comes to eye injuries, more people deal with them than you think. Each year 20,000 people struggle with work-related eye injuries which can lead to missing work and losing pay. 

Eye injuries can cause temporary issues or permanent damage. But what kind of problems constitutes an eye emergency? Let’s look at the different types of eye injuries, which ones require immediate care, and how to avoid them.

If you live in the Pelham Gardens area of the Bronx, New York, and you’re coping with an eye emergency or other visual problems, the medical team at Bronx Eye Associates can get you the help you need.

Types of eye injuries

Injuries to the eye can result from accidents, foreign objects, or sports-related issues. 

These include:

The above injuries are an emergency if the damage presents enough danger to warrant immediate medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible if you experience vision loss, burning, stinging, double vision, severe headaches, discharge, or blood in the white part of your eye.

In an emergency, avoid rubbing the damaged eye. Don’t attempt to remove anything lodged in it or put ointment or medications in your eye. Blinking can sometimes help with small foreign objects. Minor chemical injuries can be managed by flushing it out with water, but don’t do anything else to your eyes until you get help.

Ways to avoid eye injury

Methods of protection depend on what you’re doing. Goggles are an effective way of protecting your eye or preventing cornea scratches. Goggles can help with any job or household task where there is a risk of a chemical splash or small particles flying near your face. 

Store things safely to reduce the risk of spills or accidents that can lead to eye injuries. Carefully read instructions on fireworks as explosives can harm eyes. Also, avoid pointing bright lights or lasers directly into the faces of others.


Taking precautions around dangerous materials and during certain tasks helps protect your eyes. If you suffer an injury, make an appointment with the team at Bronx Eye Associates.

You Might Also Enjoy...

The Benefits of Treating Nearsightedness Early

The Benefits of Treating Nearsightedness Early

Vision problems are common, and myopia, or nearsightedness is a condition that affects millions of children and adults. Getting early treatment for this eye problem can make a big difference in your everyday life.
All About Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

All About Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Seeing requires a complex series of functions in your eyes and several different illnesses can affect the quality of your vision. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a condition that damages vision, but there is help.
5 Facts About Cataract Treatment

5 Facts About Cataract Treatment

Vision problems such as cataracts become more common as people age. If you’ve been recently diagnosed with cataracts, read on to find out what you should know about your treatment options.
Can Astigmatism Cause Headaches?

Can Astigmatism Cause Headaches?

Astigmatism can affect how light enters your eye making things harder to see. But could it lead to headaches? Read on to find out more about this connection.
3 Reasons Why You Have Watery Eyes

3 Reasons Why You Have Watery Eyes

Our bodies are largely made up of water and our tissue and organs need a certain amount of moisture to function properly. This water content provides lubrication for your eyes, but if they become too watery it could indicate problems.