You already know where to go if you have a general medical emergency, but where would you go if you had a serious problem with your eye that requires immediate care? At Foster Vision in Portland, we will see you in an emergency anytime our office is open. We’re open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outside of these times, call 911 to receive immediate care for a serious injury to your eye.

What are Eye Emergencies?

If you’re not certain if you have an eye emergency, err on the side of caution and seek help immediately. Situations that need prompt care include the following:

• Foreign Objects: If you get something in your eye that you cannot wash out or if you experience scratching or bleeding, have someone take you to seek care at once.
• Chemical Exposure: Chemicals in your eye need evaluation by a professional to assess the level of damage. Even if you properly washed out your eyes after exposure, see an eye doctor the same day. You could save your vision.
• Sudden Vision Changes: If your vision changes suddenly, even if it’s painless, you need care at once. Conditions that could cause vision changes include severe problems such as retinal detachment, acute glaucoma or retinal artery blockage. An optometrist has the equipment needed to check for these problems. While more benign conditions may also cause vision changes, get care immediately to rule out more serious causes.

What to Do in an Emergency

Don’t try to take foreign objects out if they are stuck in your eye. Also, leave your contacts in unless your eye swells significantly. Don’t touch, rub or press on your injured eye. If you have an emergency, don’t drive yourself. Your pain and lack of vision could affect your driving and contribute to an accident. Have someone drive you to an eye clinic or emergency room.

Come See Us

Whether you have an eye emergency or just need a visit with an optometrist for an exam, come see us at Foster Vision in Portland. Contact us at (503) 546-4460 if you have any questions about the types of emergencies we see or if you need to make a regular appointment.