Emergency Eye Care | Phoenix

Accidents Happen—We’re Here to Help

Eye injuries, chemical exposure, or infections can be stressful. We’re here to support your eyes in the case of an emergency and help preserve your vision.

If an accident occurs, call our office right away at 480-809-0550. We can assess your situation and guide you through next steps, whether that means coming in for an exam with Dr. Balocca, or visiting the emergency room.

If our office is closed, proceed to your nearest urgent care facility or hospital.

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What Is Considered an Eye Emergency?

Sometimes, an eye emergency is obvious, such as an injury to the eye. Other times, you may experience more subtle symptoms that can indicate serious problems.

Anytime you experience an injury to or around the eye area, an eye infection, or notice sudden changes to your vision, it’s a good idea to come in for an exam.

Signs that Could Indicate An Eye Emergency

Sudden onset of any of the following symptoms may be indicative of an emergency. Call our office if you experience these symptoms. We can guide you through the next steps.

Sudden burning or stinging
Pupils that differ in size
Bluging eyes
Severe eye pain
Double vision, sudden and without a clear cause
Redness or severe itching
Bruising or bleeding in or around the eye
Sudden, severe headaches
Discharge from the eye
Eyes that aren’t moving together

Corneal Abrasions: Prevention and First Aid

A corneal abrasion is a scratch to the surface of your eye. Corneal abrasions can be caused by poking your eye with your finger or another object, or if a material, like sand or dirt, gets stuck under your eyelid. It may feel like something is stuck in your eye, your eye may be in pain, and you may notice tearing, redness, and light sensitivity.

You can prevent a corneal abrasion by wearing protective eyewear when working on construction or DIY projects. As well, try to avoid scratching or rubbing your eyes, especially without cleaning your hands.

If you experience a corneal abrasion during office hours, call us immediately. We can walk you through next steps. If you have something stuck in your eye, you can rinse it with clean water or saline solution. If you’re wearing contact lenses, remove them carefully.

At the office, Dr. Balocca will examine your eye and may provide an ointment or bandage contact lens to support healing. You may be instructed to cover your eye with a patch while it heals.

Protect Your Eyes from Injury

Always wear protective eyewear while landscaping or working with wood or metals. Be careful when applying eye makeup. Maintain routine contact lens exams and replace them according to your optometrists instructions. Keep chemicals away from your face and eyes.

In the case of an eye injury, clean your hands thoroughly before touching your eye. Flush the eye with cold water in the event of chemical contact or dust or sand in your eye. Lightly cover your eye without applying pressure and call our office immediately. If an emergency occurs outside of our office hours, proceed to your nearest urgent care facility or hospital.

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