Treating Eye Injuries at University Eye Associates

The eye is a highly structured, yet sensitive organ. You rely on your eyes for nearly everything you do and it's important to keep them protected and healthy. There are several common eye injuries that can be both painful and limit how well the eyes function. At University Eye Associates we can provide excellent treatment options for many types of eye injuries in the Charlotte, Davidson, and Rocky River (Harrisburg) areas.

Objects Stuck in the Eye

Even a small object stuck in your eye can cause extreme discomfort. Often, blinking quickly or gently rinsing the eye with cool water will rinse out smaller objects. Sometimes this type of injury needs to be examined by an optometry specialist. Trying to remove a particle out of the eye area may result in scratching or damaging the eye. Anything that punctures the eye needs to be treated by a medical professional as quickly as possible.

Strike or Blow to the Eye

Any object, such as a ball or a tree branch, can cause injury to eye if hit. Even if the eye is not punctured, the bones and skin surrounding the eye area may be seriously damaged. Sometimes, orbital blowout fractures occur. This happens when the facial bones around the eye break or crack. These are eye injury emergencies and need immediate treatment.

Corneal Abrasion Eye Injury

This is the official term for a scratch on your eye. Everything from an accidental fingernail scratch to a playful pet can cause an abrasion. While these can be extremely painful, they will normally heal on their own after a few days. It's important, however, to receive care for this type of injury as soon as possible. Bacteria may enter the eye through the scratch and potentially cause serious infection.

Burns to the Eye

Chemicals may splash in the eye while working around the house. Drain cleaners, bleach, or fertilizer can all severely damage eyes. If some kind of harsh chemical has gotten in your eye, it's important to flush your eyes for 15 minutes with cold water and then seek help from your optometrist. Untreated burns to the eye can result in blurred vision, loss of vision, and visible burn marks on the eye.

How Can University Eye Associates Help?

At University Eye Associates, we offer our patients vision and eye exams, contact lens exams, contact lenses, glasses, and emergency eye care. We also provide pediatric optometry. At our practice, we have eight doctors with extensive optometry experience. Contact us at University Eye Associates to schedule an appointment if you're in the Davidson, Charlotte, or Rocky River (Harrisburg) areas.