Fisher-Swale-Nicholson Eye Center treats emergent patients during regular business hours by appointment.

In Case of Emergency

If there is a life-threatening condition, 911 should be called, or the patient should immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

An eye emergency is a condition the patient perceives as not life-threatening but needs immediate attention. Medical treatment should be sought immediately in the event of an eye injury.

Some of the signs and symptoms of an eye emergency that should be evaluated promptly include:

• Sudden loss or distortion of vision
• Sudden development of double vision
• The onset of flashing lights or floaters
• Any ocular trauma that causes persistent redness and pain, loss of vision, or involves a chemical exposure

Blunt Trauma

Projectile objects, such as a ball or finger, can cause a wide range of damage, including corneal abrasion, bleeding in the eye, fracture of the orbital bone, rupture of the eyeball or retinal detachment.

Foreign Bodies and Miscellaneous Debris

Activities such as grinding metal or trimming tree branches can disperse particles that become lodged in the eye.

Chemical Injuries

Such occurrences can be devastating and commonly occur in laboratories or at home from accidental exposure to household cleaners, solvents or aerosol products.

Penetration of the Eye

Broken glass or a similar sharp object in the eye usually results in violent trauma.

Serious Burns

Amateur use of fireworks or explosives has the potential to cause serious injury.

Immediate Treatment

Whenever an eye injury occurs, certain steps must be taken in order to prevent serious damage and visual loss. If someone has been exposed to a harmful chemical, immediate irrigation of the eye with water is of utmost importance, even before a phone call to the ER is made. If a blunt or penetrating injury of the eye occurs, manipulation of the eye should be avoided since further damage could be caused. A shield (such as a makeshift one cut from a Styrofoam cup) should be placed over the eye. A pressure patch on the eye may be harmful after trauma and should be avoided.

Conditions Requiring Evaluation 

• Redness and/or discharge of the eyes
• Blisters or lumps on the eyes
• Pain in the eyes
• Headaches
• Foreign body sensation

Our eye doctors treat many types of eye emergencies, such as:

• Chemical exposure
• Concussion
• Floaters
• Dislodged contact lenses
• Eye infections
• Eye trauma
• Flashes of light in the vision
• Foreign materials stuck in the eyes
• Red or painful eyes
• Scratched eyes
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Uncomfortable, itchy, or irritated eyes