First Aid and Emergencies

The first-steps toward fighting illness and disease are prevention and early detection. Eye-related illnesses and injuries are no different. And even if you've already developed eye illness or disease, eye health maintenance strategies are still a critical part of preserving your sight.

Emergency Information

If you have an eye-related emergency, call our office immediately. We will do our best to see you as soon as possible. You can also reach us after office hours. When you call the office, the answering service will contact the eye doctor accordingly. But if your emergency is very serious, don't wait. Quickly proceed to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.

First Aid & Safety

Cuts

If you receive a cut on or near your eye, bandage the eye lightly, then seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to wash out the eye or to remove objects that may be stuck in the eye or eyelid. Avoid applying pressure to the injured eye. If you cannot see an ophthalmologist immediately, go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Foreign Objects

The concern about foreign bodies depends on the mechanism of injury. If something blows into your eye like dirt of sand, then try blinking a few times. If this doesn't work, purchase a bottle of eyewash from the drug store and try flushing it out. If it still hurts, seek an eye doctor. Sometimes the foreign objects get wedged deeply under the lid and requires the help of a professional. Don't try removing it yourself. On the other hand, if there is a high-velocity injury, e.g. grinding metal on metal without wearing safety goggles, then there could be a much more serious and vision-threatening injury. This requires immediate medical attention with an ophthalmologist. If there isn't one available, seek the nearest Emergency Department.

Eye Injury Prevention

Ophthalmologists regularly see young patients and recreational athletes with eye injuries caused by sports. Ninety percent of these eye injuries are preventable with proper eye protection. Eye safety goggles especially designed for sports such as baseball, hockey or racquetball should be worn when participating in these sports.

Backyard Safety

Stones, twigs, and other debris can become dangerous projectiles. They can injure the eyes of those operating machinery and even innocent bystanders. Before using a lawnmower, power trimmer or hedger, be sure to check for rocks and stones. Always wear safety goggles whenever handling high velocity machinery. When using pesticides around the yard, always point the spray can nozzle away from your face. If you get chemicals on your face or in your eye, flush it with running water for 20-30 minutes if possible, then seek medical attention.

Safety at Home

Many household chemicals, such as cleaning fluids, detergents, and ammonia, are extremely hazardous and can burn the eye's delicate tissues. The majority of eye injuries are preventable using safety precautions. Keep babies and small children away from these chemicals. Childproof your cabinets and drawers by locking away these products out of the reach of children. If you get any chemical in the eye, flush it out immediately with running water for 20-30 minutes, then seek medical attention.

Professional Eye Associates

  • Dalton Office - 1111 Professional Blvd., Dalton, GA 30720 Phone: (706) 226-2020
  • Calhoun Office - 101 Professional Court, Calhoun, GA 30701 Phone: (706) 602-7775
  • Fort Oglethorpe Office - 2498 Lafayette Rd., Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742 Phone: (706) 866-2020
  • Chatsworth Office - 113 West Pine Street, Chatsworth, GA 30705 Phone: (706) 971-2061

2024 © All Rights Reserved | Website Design By: Televox | Login