The eyes are arguably the most crucial of the five senses that help humans navigate the world. According to studies, young people absorb and learn about 80 percent of the information around them through their eyes. They are so positioned to allow for gathering as much information as possible. However, their strategic position also means they are significantly vulnerable.

Throughout their lifetime, humans are presented with numerous eye problems. Some take time to develop, some may lead to blindness, while others resolve independently. Other issues develop fast and cause vision loss. Others come from accidents that affect their vision significantly. With all these risks, knowing which ones to be careful with can save your vision. 

Eye Problems That Require Emergency Care

Foreign Objects

Occasionally, foreign items like stray eyelashes, dust, metallic objects, cosmetics, or dirt can get into your eyes. A foreign object in your eye can harm or impair your eyesight. Sand or dust, even in their smallest form, can irritate. Larger objects are even more hazardous and necessitate an urgent visit to the doctor.

Proceed with caution if something is in your eye. It is best to avoid rubbing your eyes or using any other tool, as this can cause more injury.

Chemical Splashes

Your eyes are sensitive, and foreign substances may irritate them. Eye injury from interaction with chemical substances like aerosols can be severe. Even though a spilled home cleaner can appear inconsequential, long-term eye damage and vision loss can result from exposure to it.

It would be best if you cleansed your eyes right away since harm to your eyes might occur within five minutes of exposure. For 15 to 20 minutes, find some clean lukewarm water and use it to rinse your eyes. After a brief flushing period, your eyes could feel better, but try to eliminate all the chemical residues. Then, go to the eye doctor immediately after. 

Eye Conditions

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is the advanced stage of AMD and usually progresses very quickly. When you have wet AMD (age-related macular degeneration), your retina's blood vessels deteriorate over time. As a result of fluid leakage from these arteries into the macula, your body produces new, weaker capillaries to replace the injured ones. Your center vision may become impaired because of progressive leakage due to these irregular blood vessels.

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience the following:
 

• Notice alterations in your central vision.
   

• Cannot see fine details.
   

• Cannot see colors.

There are many distinct types of glaucoma, but any can quickly impair your vision. The gap between the iris and lens quickly closes due to acute angle-closure glaucoma. Your eye pressure will suddenly rise due to this closure, possibly resulting in vision loss.

The symptoms of this form of glaucoma are varied. Immediately seek medical help if you experience any of the following:
 

• Severe eye and head pain.
   

• Hazy or blurred vision.
   

• Sudden vision loss.
   

• Nausea or vomiting.

For more on what eye problems need emergency care, visit Albright Eyecare at our office in New Braunfels, Texas. Call (830) 271-4900 to book an appointment today.