When to Seek Medical Care
In cases of minor ocular injury, Texas State Optical-Stone Oak will be able to provide care for you. She can remove any foreign bodies in your eye, treat chemical burns and subconjunctival hemorrhages.
Chemical exposures: If you are not sure if the exposure is potentially serious, you have washed out your eye, and you have few symptoms, then we will be able to help you decide whether or not you should be seen immediately. If the surrounding tissue of the eye is burned and your vision is substantially decreased you should go to the emergency room.
The following conditions should be seen promptly by an ophthalmologist or in the emergency department:
Chemical exposures: If the substance was known to be caustic, immediate medical evaluation by either an ophthalmologist or in the emergency department is needed, regardless of symptoms. Acids and alkalis are the worst and require immediate attention. If the substance is not dangerous, such as soap or suntan lotion, a visit to the emergency department is not necessary, but a visit to Texas State Optical-Stone Oak may be helpful to alleviate any remaining symptoms. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
Lacerations: Cuts that affect the eyelid margins (where the eyelashes are) or the eyeball itself need immediate medical attention.
Solar retinopathy: Evaluation by an ophthalmologist is necessary. This is one condition where there is little that can be done in the emergency department.