Three Steps to Take in the Event of an Eye Emergency

At Generations Family Eyecare, we know that life in Houston can be unpredictable—from backyard barbecues to weekend hikes at Memorial Park, accidents happen when you least expect them. When it comes to your vision, every second counts. Whether it’s an eye injury at work, an accident during a pickup basketball game, or something as simple (but painful) as getting chemicals in your eyes while cleaning, knowing what to do in an eye emergency can make all the difference. Here are three crucial steps to take if you or a loved one experiences an eye emergency.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Your first instinct may be to panic, but staying calm is key. Take a deep breath and evaluate the injury. Is there severe pain? Vision loss? Is an object lodged in the eye? The severity of the situation will determine your next move. If you experience any of the following, seek emergency care immediately:

•          Sudden vision loss or extreme blurriness

•          A foreign object stuck in the eye

•          Chemical exposure or burns

•          A deep cut or bleeding in or around the eye

For minor irritations like dust or an eyelash, try blinking rapidly or rinsing the eye with clean water. However, if discomfort persists, don’t take any chances—let Dr. De La Garzal take a look.

Step 2: Avoid Rubbing or Applying Pressure

It’s natural to want to rub your eye when something doesn’t feel right, but this can make things worse. Rubbing your eye after an injury can cause further damage, especially if there’s debris inside. If a foreign object is stuck, don’t attempt to remove it yourself. Instead:

•          If chemicals have splashed into your eye, rinse immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes and avoid touching the area.

•          If an object is embedded, keep your eye as still as possible and seek emergency medical care.

•          If you’ve suffered a blunt force injury, apply a cold compress (without pressing on the eye) to reduce swelling.

Step 3: Seek Professional Care as Soon as Possible

Even if your eye feels okay after an injury, don’t assume the problem has resolved itself. Some eye conditions, like retinal damage or corneal abrasions, may not show symptoms immediately. Seeing an optometrist right away can help prevent long-term complications. At Generations Family Eyecare, Dr. De La Garza provides urgent eye care and same-day appointments for emergencies. If you’re unsure whether your situation requires immediate attention, give us a call, and we’ll guide you on the best course of action.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Eye emergencies are unpredictable, but regular eye exams can catch underlying issues before they turn into bigger problems. Many serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma or retinal disorders, develop without noticeable symptoms. That’s why we encourage Houstonians to make eye health a priority—whether you need a routine checkup or have concerns about your vision, staying proactive can protect your eyesight for years to come.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Vision Today

If you’ve experienced an eye emergency, don’t take a "wait and see" approach—call us right away. And if it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now’s the time to schedule one.

At Generations Family Eyecare, we’re here to help, whether it’s an urgent eye injury or your next routine exam. Visit office in Houston, Texas, or call (281) 925-7576 to book an appointment today.