Without prompt medical treatment, eye injuries and sudden illnesses can have serious long-term consequences, including permanent vision loss. In these situations, a trained eye doctor may be able to control and even reverse the damage, but putting off treatment may dramatically reduce your chances of making a full recovery. Below are just some of the eye problems that require immediate attention from an ophthalmologist.

What Eye Problems Should Be Treated Immediately?

1. Chemical Injuries

Many gases, cleaning supplies, and other chemicals can cause extremely painful injuries that may permanently impact your eyesight. Eye doctors have the training to tailor treatments to the specific chemical you were exposed to, minimizing the damage and dramatically reducing your recovery time.

2. Traumatic Injuries

Being hit in the eye by a high-velocity object, such as a toy projectile or power tool debris, can cause the retina to detach or may even compromise the integrity of the globe itself. If left untreated, these injuries may leave you vulnerable to endophthalmitis, a dangerous infection that can contribute to blindness, deviated pupils, or hemorrhages inside the eyeball.

3. Retinal Artery Occlusions

Sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye can indicate a blockage in the retinal artery, the primary vessel supplying blood to the eye. If not addressed promptly, this occlusion can cause a stroke in the artery, resulting in permanent vision loss and other serious issues. In many cases, rental artery occlusions can be a symptom of other, potentially life-threatening health problems.
 

If you’re suffering an eye emergency, Matthew H. Lipparelli, OD will ensure you get the treatment you need as quickly as possible. This board-certified eye doctor has been serving patients throughout Nevada’s Elko County since 1991, delivering cutting-edge treatments for serious medical issues. Visit his website for more on the eye care services he provides, follow his Facebook for news and updates, and call (775) 753-5353 to make an appointment.