Please call our Fairhope office at: 251-929-4575 or go to the hospital emergency room:
If the substance was known to be caustic, immediate medical evaluation by either one of our eye doctors 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 the office may be helpful to alleviate any remaining symptoms. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
Any cuts near the eye needs to be evaluated to ensure that the eyeball is not involved. Our doctor may refer any cuts to the eyelids or face that require suturing.
Any trauma to the eye needs to be evaluated. Even blunt trauma can cause a rupture of the eye. Blunt trauma can also cause inflammation, bleeding, or retinal detachment.
Flashes and floaters can be a normal process of aging. However, they are the same symptoms that one may get with a retinal detachment. These symptoms need to be evaluated.
These symptoms may indicate a serious problem such as inflammation, infection, glaucoma. These need to be evaluated immediately.
Some loss of vision may be benign and reversible (like from fluctuating blood sugars). However, some are more ominous and permanent. Any loss of vision needs to be evaluated emergently.
Scratches
If there is a lot of pain we want to see you right away. Scratches on the eye open the door for infection and need treatment. The eye is very sensitive and even small scratches can cause great discomfort. Seek immediate treatment.
Yes, scratches on the eye open the door for infection and need treatment. The eye is very sensitive and even small scratches can cause great discomfort. Seek immediate treatment.
Children's Emergencies
Yes, we examine people of all ages.
Acute pain needs to be seen as soon as possible. There may be something in the eye. Problems that are not painful eye can wait until the first available appointment.
Yes, Your doctor can determine the cause of the swelling and prescribe any necessary treatment.
Foreign Body Removal
Do not rub the eye! It may imbed the material or cause a painful abrasion to the surface of your eye. Gentle rinsing of the eye may dislodge the material. If unsuccessful, seek medical attention.
Gentle rinsing of the eye may dislodge the material. If unsuccessful, seek medical attention.
Contact lens wear can cause small breaks in the skin surface that covers the eye. This opens the door for infection. Treat any contact lens related disconmfort as a potentially serious problem.
Flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes.
Severe Eye Emergencies
Sudden loss in vision may result from loss of blood flow to the eye. This may be a pre-stroke warning. Seek medical attention at once. We will evaluate your eyes as soon as we are sure your medical condition is stable.
Yes, see your eye doctor at once.
Yes, see your eye doctor at once.
Yes, see your eye doctor at once.
See your eye doctor at once.
