Many conditions may cause you to walk into an ophthalmologist’s office, but only a few are true emergencies. These conditions, if not attended to promptly, could result in blindness.

 

Here are some true eye emergencies:

 

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a condition caused by the pulling away of the retina from the network of blood vessels that supply it with nutrients and oxygen. The separation causes your vision to have floaters and light flashes. You may also notice that your sight is going away gradually.

 

People that have severe myopia are more prone to getting retinal tears. It starts as a tear, then develops into full-blown detachment. There’s also a condition called Lattice Degeneration, and it increases the risk of detachment. Lattice Degeneration causes the thinning of your peripheral retina. Diabetes is also a retinal detachment risk factor.

 

Still, a person may have a detached retina in the absence of all these risk factors. If you are not at risk but have developed flashing lights, floaters, and your vision is reduced, see an ophthalmologist.

 

A Ruptured Globe

The rupture of the globe is the tearing or rupture of the sclera or cornea of your eye due to trauma. It violates the substance of your eye, threatening your vision.

 

The globe can rupture when a sharp object penetrates your eye, causing it to lose its intraocular pressure suddenly. The hit may also cause the eye’s internal contents to pour. You need emergency surgery to close up the rupture.

 

If the rupture is not extensive, the doctor may save your eye or vision. But, with a significant rupture, even with the best care, you may lose your vision completely.

 

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

The condition develops when the drainage apparatus of your eye blocks, resulting in a buildup of eye fluid and an increase of intraocular pressure. If the pressure is not addressed promptly, it may damage your optic nerve. The optic nerve is the “cable” that transmits images from the eyes to the brain. Damage causes permanent vision loss.

 

But, if you get to the doctor before the pressure gets to the optic nerve, he may prescribe some eye drops to lower your intraocular pressure. He may also use diuretics to open up the drainage and save your sight.

 

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion occurs when blood is blocked to the retina in one eye. It causes a sudden loss of vision in the eye that has been affected. The central retinal artery provides the retina with oxygen. When the artery blocks, your retina is deprived of oxygen. If the situation persists, you may lose your sight permanently.

 

Typically, the central retinal artery blocks due to cholesterol plaque. Also, diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and age increase the risk of developing CRAO.

 

Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a severe condition characterized by the infection of your eyes’ soft tissue. It causes swelling, pain, and protrusion of your eyeball. Orbital cellulitis occurs when a sinus infection spreads to the surrounding soft tissue.

 

The above conditions are eye emergencies and need immediate attention. Any delays could lead to permanent severe consequences. In case of an eye emergency, visit Premier Eye Care in Fort Worth, Texas, for prompt, excellent, and comprehensive care.

 

Learn more about eye emergencies, contact Premier Eye Care in Fort Worth, Texas at (817) 428-2020 to request an appointment.