Emergency Eye Care

Protecting Alaska’s Vision

Accidents and injuries are often part of life and eye emergencies can happen when you least expect them. If you have injured one or both of your eyes and you’re unsure if you should get emergency assistance, it is important you contact us right away so we can advise you further.

How We Can Help

Our practice is equipped to help you with minor eye emergencies. If you experience pain or swelling or feel you may have caused damage to your eye, you should visit your nearest urgent care center.

And, we can help you avoid injuries in the future with our selection of safety glasses, which protect your eyes while playing sports, exploring the outdoors, and working in an environment where eye injuries could occur.

Since we travel to smaller communities throughout Alaska on a monthly basis, our services are by appointment only.

Common Eye Emergencies

Certain eye injuries are more common than others. Learn about common eye emergencies and contact us or emergency services right away if you are experiencing one or more.

Foreign Object in the Eye

A foreign object is anything that enters the eye that isn’t supposed to be there. This could include sawdust, metal, cosmetics, eyelashes, or dust. Typically the object will stay on top of the eye’s surface, but it can sometimes penetrate your eye. In this case, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

There is a risk that a foreign object can scratch your eye’s cornea if it isn’t removed carefully.

Black Eyes

Force to the eye or face can cause black eyes. The tissue around the eye is very thin and delicate so as soon as it is injured it may swell and begin to collect fluid, causing bruising.

Scratches

Scratches, called corneal abrasions can develop on the cornea of the eye due to poking your eye with an object, or a foreign object getting into your eye.

Symptoms can include:

Redness
Discomfort
Blurriness
Feeling like something is stuck in your eye

Floaters

Floaters are dark spots that come into your field of vision. Floaters can be harmless, but they could also point to an underlying eye condition. Floaters move around as you move your eye and are caused by a shadow being cast on your retina.

Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure to the eye occurs when liquid, powder, or aerosol chemicals (like household bleach and disinfectants) accidentally make their way into your eye. Chemicals can cause eye damage if not treated, as well as pain, redness, and blurry vision.

Talk to Us About Eye Emergencies

Our practice is here to lend assistance for eye emergencies over the phone or in person by appointment in Wasilla or on our travels. If you experience an eye emergency, it is important that you seek medical assistance immediately.