Eye Emergencies in Long Grove
Eye trauma, chemical exposure to the eyes, eye infections and foreign objects in the eye are all considered eye emergencies that should not be ignored. Should you experience any of these, our optometrists are available 24/7 to provide advice and help with immediate or urgent care.
Call 847-262-3703 for further instructions. We are available for emergency visits after hours by calling the number provided if your reach our after hours voicemail.
Call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room in severe cases of trauma.
First Aid for Eye Emergencies
Following basic first aid guidelines during certain eye emergencies is critical for saving time that may prevent vision loss.
Examples: gasoline, household cleaners, fertilizer, perfume
- Immediately flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eye under a faucet, shower or by pouring water into the eye from a clean container. Keep the eye open as wide as possible.
- DO NOT try to remove contact lenses prior to flushing. Note that they may come out during the flushing process.
- DO NOT bandage the eye.
- After flushing, seek medical care promptly.
Examples: sand, dust or eyelashes in the eye
- DO NOT rub.
- Wash your hands before touching your eye.
- Blinking and natural tearing may wash these items out. Rinse the eye with water or saline if needed.
- Lift your upper eyelid out and away from your eye. Look down over the lower lid to help remove the item.
- DO NOT use tweezers or other items to attempt removal.
- If the item won’t come out or irritation continues, see your eye doctor immediately.
Examples: glass, metal, grass clippings, gravel
- DO NOT touch.
- DO NOT attempt to remove.
- DO NOT apply any pressure.
- If possible, lightly cover both eyes to prevent eye movement and reduce further damage.
- Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Examples: elbowed or kicked in the eye, struck with a racquet or bat, hit by a flying object
- Apply a cold compress while avoiding pressure on the eye.
- Seek emergency medical care if you experience pain, blurry vision, blood in the eye, bulging of the eye or a black eye.
- DO NOT touch.
- DO NOT attempt to remove any object in the eye.
- Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Common Conditions Treated in Long Grove
Is it Pink Eye?
Often caused by a bacterial infection, this highly contagious ailment is uncomfortable but treatable with antibiotics.
Cut or Scratched Eyes
Whether caused by physical impact or from excessive rubbing, even small scratches can lead to infection or worse.
Styes
That painful bump on your eyelid could be more than just a stye. If you get styes frequently, you might have a more serious condition.
Children’s Eye Injuries
A black eye during sports or play is common and may cause vision loss. Find out more about kid’s eye injuries and ways to prevent them.
Our Long Grove Office
Our eye doctors are highly trained in treating a wide range of eye emergencies. While a visit to the emergency room might seem like your first choice, research shows that most emergency room visits for eye emergencies could have been handled by an experienced optometrist.
Our eye care specialists have access to the latest technology to provide thorough optical examination to assess injuries, eye infections and other eye emergencies. We are fully equipped to provide specialized eye treatments and to prescribe medications for any urgent care needs. Whether you are visiting Long Grove or live in the area, we are here to provide you with the highest level of medical eye care available. We are located in the Grove Medical Center in Long Grove at the southwest corner of IL Route 83 and Robert Parker Coffin Rd.
- Do you have a red small bump in your eye or under your eyelid? Visit our eye doctors to diagnose and effectively treat styes, chalazia, and other bumps/pimple that are on the eye.