Do you know what to look for when it comes to a major eye emergency? Common eye ailments include styes, basal cell carcinoma, and allergic conjunctivitis. If you think you have an eye problem or emergency, call your eye doctor right away rather than heading straight to the ER.
Decoding Eye Emergencies
Stye
A stye is not a serious threat to your vision. If you think you're developing one, a good first step is to apply heat.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the eyelid. It's usually found on the lower lid because of sun exposure.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma needs to be treated and removed as soon as possible. It has the ability to spread.
Subconjuctival hemmorage
Think of a subconjuctival hemmorage as "the worst looking red eye". It may look bad, but in reality it's the least dangerous eye emergency. It behaves like a bruise, and can last a bit more than a week.
Hyphema
A hyphema occurs when blood is not just in the white of the eye (red eye) but inside the eye itself. This is a serious red flag, and should be treated by a doctor immediately.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is common in southeast Louisiana due to the many allergens in the air. Look for small bumps on the inside of your eyelid.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is the most contagious virus second to the chicken pox. The main culprit for the spread? Elevator buttons.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis requires an antibiotic - it will not go away on its own. It also usually involves both eyes.
Retinal Detachment
The retina is held in place by suction, not by any sort of apparatus inside your eye. Warning signs of retinal detachment include an onset of flashing lights, floating spots, cobwebs in vision, or curtains setting. Post-cataract surgery patients are at an increased risk of retinal detachment.
Stye
A stye is not a serious threat to your vision. If you think you're developing one, a good first step is to apply heat.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the eyelid. It's usually found on the lower lid because of sun exposure.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma needs to be treated and removed as soon as possible. It has the ability to spread.
Subconjuctival hemmorage
Think of a subconjuctival hemmorage as "the worst looking red eye". It may look bad, but in reality it's the least dangerous eye emergency. It behaves like a bruise, and can last a bit more than a week.
Hyphema
A hyphema occurs when blood is not just in the white of the eye (red eye) but inside the eye itself. This is a serious red flag, and should be treated by a doctor immediately.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is common in southeast Louisiana due to the many allergens in the air. Look for small bumps on the inside of your eyelid.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is the most contagious virus second to the chicken pox. The main culprit for the spread? Elevator buttons.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis requires an antibiotic - it will not go away on its own. It also usually involves both eyes.
