Emergency Eye Care | Dundas Optometry Clinic

We’re Here to Help You During an Eye Emergency

Eye injuries or trauma can be stressful and frightening. Your eyesight is precious, and anything that might put it at risk needs to be dealt with immediately.

Our team is equipped to triage patients to determine when you need to be seen. If you are experiencing an eye emergency, please CALL US immediately, and we will make our best effort to see you for a same-day appointment.

If we are closed, please proceed to St. Joe’s Urgent Care Eye Clinic or your nearest emergency department.

Types of Eye Emergencies

Common eye emergencies we can treat include:

Corneal abrasions (scratches)
Swelling in or around your eye
Sudden onset of flashes or floaters
Sudden vision loss
Foreign objects stuck in the eye
Chemical splashes or burns
Infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Flashes, floaters, or retinal detachment
Significant ocular discharge

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 be indicative of 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 offices immediately should you experience any of these issues.

What You Can Do for Common Eye Emergencies

An eye emergency can happen at any time and with different symptoms. We strive to educate our patients on what to do before they recieve treatment for their eye emergencies.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Small & Large Foreign Objects

Small particles like dust or sand can easily find their way into your eyes, causing irritation. Here’s what you can do:

Blink repeatedly: Often, blinking can naturally remove the particle.
Use clean hands: Gently wash your hands and examine your eye for the foreign object.
Artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can help flush out the irritant.
Water rinse: If the object is on or under your eyelid, gently rinse your eye with clean water.

For larger objects like glass or metal, never attempt to remove them yourself. These injuries require immediate medical attention. Contact us or your nearest emergency room right away.

Corneal Abrasions

Your cornea is a delicate layer protecting your eye. Even minor injuries can lead to significant discomfort and potential complications.

Avoid rubbing your eye if you suspect a corneal abrasion. This can worsen the injury.

If you experience symptoms like severe pain, redness, blurred vision, or the feeling of something in your eye, seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment is essential to prevent infection and promote healing.

Chemical Injuries

Chemical eye injuries can occur unexpectedly at home or work. If you or someone you know experiences a chemical splash to the eye, follow these immediate steps:

Flush the eye: Immediately rinse the eye with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eyelid open and continuously flush with water.
Seek medical attention: Even after rinsing, it’s crucial to seek immediate care from a healthcare professional.

Do not rub your eye or apply any ointment or medication. Prompt treatment is essential to minimize damage and preserve your vision.

If you experience a chemical eye injury, contact Dundas Optometry Clinic or your nearest emergency room immediately.

Scratches & Punctures

Your eyes are delicate organs that can be easily injured. If you experience a cut, scratch, or any type of trauma to your eye or eyelid, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention.

Some first aid tips you can follow:

Avoid touching or rubbing the injured eye.
Gently apply a loose bandage to protect the area.
Do not apply pressure to the injured eye.

Remember, these are temporary measures. Prompt medical care is crucial to prevent permanent eye damage.

Come Visit Us

There’s ample parking at the back of our new, modern office that can be accessed from King St.

Our Address

160 King St W, Lower Level
Dundas, ON L9H 1V4

Contact Information

Phone: 905-628-5866
Fax: 905-628-5542
Email: dundasoptometry@cogeco.net

Hours of Operation

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
**We’re closed Saturdays from June–August & on all holiday long weekends to allow our team to spend time with their families.