Emergency Eye Care in Stony Plain

Most eye diseases develop slowly over time and are generally diagnosed during a routine eye exam. On rare occasions, however, some eye diseases are considered a medical emergency.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a rapid increase in IOP. It occurs when the eye’s drainage system suddenly closes, causing fluid to build up inside the eye. This can damage the optic nerve, and, when not caught and treated quickly, it can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma include:

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels breaking and leaking blood and fluid into the eye.

Symptoms of wet AMD include:

Floaters are a natural part of ageing, and many people experience them. They’re small flecks of protein that have become trapped in the vitreous. They’re generally harmless and will eventually settle below the line of sight over time.

Flashes of light are also quite common and occur as the vitreous shrinks as we age, pulling on the retina.

While flashes and floaters are normal, a sudden onset of each may indicate a more serious issue, like retinal detachment.

A blow to the eye can cause significant damage. The eyes and their surrounding tissues are delicate and easily damaged. From bruising to vision loss, many complications can arise from blunt trauma. Even if your injury seems mild, it is important to be examined by an eye care professional to avoid potential issues.

While it’s common for small foreign objects like hair, dirt, and dust to enter your eyes, they can occasionally lead to irritation or scratches that may require treatment to avoid infection. Your tears will usually flush these out on their own, but you can help the process by rinsing with clean water or saline solution.

Larger and sharper foreign objects, like glass or metal, can puncture the eye and must be removed by a trained eye care professional.