Ocular Emergencies

Ocular emergencies are sudden eye problems that require immediate medical attention to preserve vision and prevent complications. At Vivaan ENT & Eye Clinic, Dr. Veena Karkhele and the team provide urgent assessment and prompt treatment for a wide range of emergency eye conditions with compassion and care.

Symptoms & Causes

Common Emergency Symptoms

• Sudden loss of vision or severe decrease in vision
• Severe eye pain or intense discomfort
• Trauma or injury to the eye (blunt or sharp)
• Chemical exposure to the eye
• Sudden flashes, many floaters, or curtain-like shadow
• Severe redness with discharge or swelling
• Acute vision disturbance with headache, nausea (angle-closure glaucoma)

Common Causes

• Retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage
• Corneal abrasions, ulcers, or infections
• Chemical burns (acid/alkaline exposure)
• Eye trauma with foreign body or penetrating injury
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Severe infections such as endophthalmitis

Treatment & Immediate Care

Management depends on the cause and urgency. Early presentation improves outcomes. Typical emergency responses include:

• Thorough urgent eye examination (visual acuity, slit-lamp, fundoscopy)
• Immediate irrigation for chemical exposures
• Removal of superficial foreign bodies and protective patching
• Topical or systemic antibiotics/antivirals for infections
• Pain control and pressure-lowering medications for acute glaucoma
• Laser or surgical intervention for retinal tears or detachment
• Surgical repair for penetrating or severe traumatic injuries

If you experience any emergency symptom, contact the clinic immediately or visit the nearest emergency department. Quick action can save vision.

What to Do Immediately (First Aid)

• Do not rub the eye after injury.
• For chemical exposure: rinse the eye with clean water or saline for at least 15–20 minutes and seek urgent care.
• For blunt trauma: apply a cold compress (not directly on the eye) and avoid pressure on the eye.
• If a foreign object is stuck, do not attempt to remove a deeply embedded object — cover the eye loosely and come to the clinic or ER immediately.
• Bring any removed foreign material or product labels (in chemical cases) to the clinic.

Prevention & Follow-up

• Wear protective eyewear for sports, DIY work, or hazardous jobs.
• Store chemicals safely and use eye protection when handling them.
• Keep regular eye checkups, especially if you have diabetes or retina risks.
• Follow post-injury or post-operative instructions carefully and attend follow-up visits.