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Home » Eye Care Services » Emergency Eyecare in Shelburne, Dufferin County » Eye Trauma Q&A with Dr. Colette Whiting and Dr. Sandra Gillis-Kennedy

Eye Trauma Q&A with Dr. Colette Whiting and Dr. Sandra Gillis-Kennedy

I just lost my vision in one eye, what should I do?

Call your eye doctor, if possible. There may be instructions that need to be carried out even before arriving at the office or emergency room (should that be required).

My eye is bleeding what should I do?

Call your eye doctor. Your actions will depend on the exact location of the bleeding.

What should I do if I spill chemicals in my eye?

If chemicals are spilled in the eye, it is best to thoroughly rinse the eye with water. Tap water is fine. The water can come from a shower, a kitchen sink sprayer or, if outside, a hose. You can pour water from a glass or bucket. The key is to use a lot of water and to do it immediately. You should do it up to 30 minutes, depending on how much chemical and what kind of chemical you get in your eyes. After rinsing, you should call your eye doctor.

Are you seeing Floaters? Spots?

Seeing spots or floating colors suddenly?

Spots or floaters are usually not a cause for concern, but it is possible that they can be the result of a retinal tear or detachment, which should be treated immediately. Call your eye doctor for any sudden floaters, flashes, spots, cobwebs, shadows or curtains within your vision. Cover each eye to try to determine which eye it may be coming from. If the doctor wants to see you, you should expect to have one or both pupils dilated.

I am seeing double, should I go to the eye doctor?

Yes. New onset double vision may be the sign of a dangerous condition like a stroke.

I have severe pain in my eye, what do I do?

Sudden, short pains in the eye are not usually cause for concern. Frequent or lasting pain should be seen by your eye doctor.

What to do if I get sand, or metal in my eyes?

For one of the above materials in the eye, try to rinse it out with water as described in the previous section. If the eye is then comfortable, it is likely that you have been successful. If there is still a foreign body sensation, you should see an eye doctor. It is always best to see an eye doctor, either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, rather than going to an urgent care center or an emergency room. If that is not possible, then an urgent care center or an emergency room will probably be better than not being seen at all.

Pressure Behind Your Eyes?

Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Often there is no real cause for alarm but it is possible.