Eye injuries or trauma to the eye area can be stressful and frightening. Your eyesight is precious, and anything that might put it at risk needs to be dealt with immediately.
Whether it's a hard knock from a stray ball during game time or a splash of cleaning supplies at home, knowing where to turn for emergency support is crucial for adults and kids alike.
When an accident occurs, call our office right away. We can assess your situation and recommend next steps, whether that means seeing an optometrist or going directly to an emergency room.
If our office is closed, you should proceed to your nearest hospital.
Request AppointmentTypes of Eye Emergencies
Common eye emergencies we can treat include:
- Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye’s surface)
- Foreign objects stuck in the eye
- Chemical splashes or burns
- Infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Flashes, floaters, or retinal detachment
- Eye diseases
Symptoms That Might Mean an Eye Emergency
While most eye emergencies involve noticeable symptoms or trauma, other eye emergencies are not as obvious. Any sudden changes to your vision should be considered an eye care emergency.
Sudden onset of any of the following symptoms may also indicate an emergency:
- Burning or stinging
- Pupils that differ in size
- Bulging eyes
- Severe eye pain
- Double vision
- Redness or severe itching
- Bruising or bleeding
- Sudden headache
- Discharge from the eye
- Eyes not moving together
Call our office immediately should you experience any of these issues.
DEye Emergency Do’s & Don’ts
Eye emergencies can happen anywhere, whether you're at work, home, athletic events, or just hanging out. But you can make a difference by acting quickly and appropriately. Following first aid steps and contacting emergency care right away can lead to a positive outcome.
If you or a loved one experience an eye emergency, here are some do’s and don’ts to guide you:
Do’s
- Do flush your eye with cold water in the event of chemical contact.
- Do clean your hands before touching your eye.
- Do lightly cover the eye without applying pressure.
- Do seek immediate medical attention.
Don’ts
- Don’t use tools anywhere near the eye area.
- Don’t rub the eye or apply pressure of any kind.
- Don’t try to remove any large foreign objects.
- Don’t apply any medications, drops, or ointments.
- Don’t remove contact lenses (except in the case of a chemical splash).
Our Location
Our Address
- 2398 5th Avenue, Suite 105
- Belle Fourche, SD 57717
Contact Us
- Phone: 605-723-3937
- Email: [email protected]
Clinic Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Our Brands
Our Google Reviews
Our Blog
Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
Eye Health and DiseasesOrdinary swelling around the eyes is due to an excessive accumulation of fluids in the surrounding skin tissue. Puffy eyes and dark circles can occur for many reasons, and a visit to your eye doctor can usually detect the underlying cause behind your puffy eyes. Causes The skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin […]
Bad Habits: Aging Your Eyes
Eye Health and DiseasesDo you feel like your eyes have aged? Some bad habits can make your eyes appear more aged than they are. The best way to preserve your eye health and appearance is to cut these bad habits out of your life!bits out of your life! Rubbing Your Eyes There are tiny blood vessels under their […]
What Is Dry Eye?
Eye Health and DiseasesDry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of moisture and lubrication of the eyes. Your eye’s tears keep the surface of the eye moist and lubricated, as well as washing away dust, debris, and other microorganisms. What causes dry eye? Typically dry eye occurs when there is a problem with your tears. Tears […]
Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
Ordinary swelling around the eyes is due to an excessive accumulation of fluids in the surrounding skin tissue. Puffy eyes and dark circles can occur for many reasons, and a visit to your eye doctor can usually detect the underlying cause behind your puffy eyes. Causes The skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin […]
Bad Habits: Aging Your Eyes
Do you feel like your eyes have aged? Some bad habits can make your eyes appear more aged than they are. The best way to preserve your eye health and appearance is to cut these bad habits out of your life!bits out of your life! Rubbing Your Eyes There are tiny blood vessels under their […]
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of moisture and lubrication of the eyes. Your eye’s tears keep the surface of the eye moist and lubricated, as well as washing away dust, debris, and other microorganisms. What causes dry eye? Typically dry eye occurs when there is a problem with your tears. Tears […]