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Emergency Eye Care in Northfield, MN

Need Help with

an Eye Emergency?

Eye injuries are more common than you might think. Every year, countless people visit the emergency room for eye-related issues. But did you know that an eye doctor can provide specialized care for many of these emergencies? River Valley Eye Professionals is equipped to handle a wide range of eye emergencies, providing the care you need in these scary situations.

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Here’s What to Look Out For

How Do I Know if It’s an Emergency?

Here’s What to Look Out For

How Do I Know if It’s an Emergency?

An eye emergency is any situation where your vision is at risk, or you experience sudden changes or severe symptoms in your eyes. Think of it like a car warning light indicating something might be seriously wrong—it's crucial to address it immediately. Look out for:

  • Sudden vision changes (blurriness, double vision, or vision loss)
  • Persistent or intense eye pain
  • Any trauma to the eye
  • Something stuck in the eye
  • Getting chemicals in your eye
  • Redness and swelling in and around your eye
  • Sudden appearance of spots, floaters, or flashes of light
  • Any blood in or around your eye
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From Infections to Injuries

Common Types of Eye Emergencies

Eye emergencies can range from minor to severe, but all require prompt attention. Some common types include:

  1. Foreign Bodies: Anything in the eye that shouldn't be there.
  2. Scratched Corneas: Also known as corneal abrasions.
  3. Chemical Burns: Exposure to harmful chemicals that can damage the eye.
  4. Trauma: Any eye injury from an impact or accident.
  5. Eye Infections: Severe cases of pink eye (conjunctivitis) or other infections.

A Guide to Eye Emergencies

What Should I Do and Not Do?

In an eye emergency, it’s important to act quickly and correctly. Here’s what you should do:

  • Do Not Rub Your Eye: This can worsen the injury.
  • Do Not Try to Remove a Foreign Object: Leave this to a professional to avoid further damage.
  • Rinse Your Eye: If you’ve been exposed to chemicals, rinse your eye with clean water immediately.
  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Contact River Valley Eye Professionals for assistance.
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FAQs for Eye Emergencies
arrow-down-right arrow-down-right What should I do if my contact lens is stuck in my eye?

If your contact lens feels stuck in your eye, don’t panic. Follow these steps to safely remove it:

  1. Apply a few drops of sterile saline solution or rewetting drops to your eye. This can help moisten the lens and make it easier to move.
  2. Blink several times to see if the lens will move on its own. You can also gently massage your eyelid to help the lens shift.
  3. If the lens is still stuck, wash your hands thoroughly, then use your clean fingers to gently lift your upper or lower eyelid. Try to move the lens by gently sliding it towards the white part of your eye or the corner, where it can be more easily removed.
  4. If you’re unable to remove the lens or if you experience pain, redness, or discomfort, contact us immediately for assistance.
arrow-down-right arrow-down-right What should I do if my eye has been red for days?

If your eye has been red for several days, it's important to take action:

  1. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately and switch to glasses until you can see an eye doctor. 
  2. Rubbing can irritate your eye further and potentially introduce bacteria or other harmful particles.
  3. Pay attention to other symptoms like pain, discharge, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. These could indicate a more serious issue.
  4. Contact your eye doctor as soon as possible. Persistent redness could be a sign of an infection, inflammation, or other underlying eye conditions that need prompt attention.
arrow-down-right arrow-down-right When to see an eye doctor for an eye infection?

You should see an eye doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have an eye infection, especially if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  1. Persistent redness for more than a day or two
  2. Any pain, burning, or discomfort in your eye
  3. If your eye produces a yellow, green, or white discharge
  4. Swelling of the eyelid or around the eye
  5. If your vision becomes blurry or you develop sensitivity to light
  6. If your symptoms get worse instead of better over time
  7. If you develop a fever, headache, or other systemic symptoms
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Immediate Eye Care for Critical Moments
Emergency eye care when needed most

Urgent Care at River Valley Eye Professionals

We’re Here for
Your Family 24/7

We treat all varieties of eye emergencies, including pink eyes, foreign bodies, scratched corneas, and trauma. Many eye problems don’t happen during regular business hours, which is why you can call our office anytime, day or night, to speak with one of our eye doctors on call. If you experience an eye emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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