At True Focus Eye Care in Port Richey, FL, we provide emergency eye care services to help preserve your eyesight and relieve any discomfort.  If you are experiencing an eye emergency, please contact our office immediately so we can help.

Although some ocular emergencies require visiting the emergency room, there are many cases where an optometrist is better prepared to handle the situation, including eye infections and foreign objects in the eye. Our team takes calls 24/7 for eye-related emergencies. If you are experiencing an ocular emergency, please call 727-819-0440.

When should you get urgent eye care?   

Our team is experienced in safely removing objects from the eye, such as metal or wood shavings, while minimizing any potential damage. We also treat eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye). 

Here are some signs of an eye emergency that require immediate medical attention:

• Burning or stinging eyes 
• One eye isn’t moving like the other eye 
• Decreased vision or double vision 
• Increased sensitivity to light 
• Blood on the white part of the eye 
• Eye discharge 
• Severe itching sensation in the eye 
• New or severe headaches 
• Getting a foreign body stuck in the eye

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that requires urgent medical attention. It occurs when the retina, a tissue layer at the back of the eye that sends visual information to the brain, pulls away from its normal position. Symptoms of retinal detachment may include:

• Small specks or cobweb-like shapes that float across your field of vision.
• Brief, bright flashes of light in the peripheral (side) vision that may occur intermittently.
• Blurred vision
• Reduced peripheral (side) vision

You should seek immediate medical attention from an eye doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as a retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. 

Corneal ulcer

A corneal ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the cornea, which is the clear outermost layer of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. Usually, corneal ulcers are caused by infections, but they can also be caused by injury, dry eyes, or underlying medical conditions.

Corneal ulcers are a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Ulcers can damage the cornea and cause scarring, resulting in permanent vision loss. As a result, you should seek medical attention if you suspect that you have a corneal ulcer. Symptoms of a corneal ulcer may include: 

• Eye redness
• A sharp pain or a dull ache in the eye
• Blurred or hazy vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing
• Foreign body sensation
• Clear, yellow, or green eye discharge
• Eye swelling

You should see an eye doctor as soon as possible if these symptoms occur. Corneal ulcers can be serious and can cause vision loss if left untreated.

Steps to take during an eye emergency  

When dealing with an eye emergency, follow these steps to avoid making it worse:   

• If chemicals get into your eyes, flush your eyes with water for 10-15 minutes and don’t cover the affected eye.  
• If you have something in your eyes, avoid rubbing them to prevent further damage and reduce the spread of any germs, bacteria, or infections.  
• To prevent swelling around your eye after an injury, apply a cold compress. Gently apply the compress to your eyes to avoid irritation.   
• Avoid driving if you are experiencing an eye emergency or vision problems.  

After seeing an eye doctor for emergency eye care, make sure to follow the treatment plan closely and use any home remedies they suggest, such as eye drops or compresses. When properly treated by an optometrist, eye emergencies usually resolve quickly. 

Eye emergencies require quick treatment to avoid the risk of permanent damage or vision loss. If you are currently experiencing an eye emergency, please call us immediately for an emergency eye examination.