Emergency Eye Care Services in Reno, NV

When Accidents Happen, We Can Help

Eye emergencies can happen even when you do your best to protect your eyes. At Dr. Jennifer L. Shane & Associates, we leave space in our schedule to accommodate emergencies. If we cannot see you immediately, please seek the nearest medical clinic in the Reno–Sparks–Carson area.

Call us immediately and let our administrative staff know you need medical attention due to an eye emergency.

Common Eye Emergencies

Eye emergencies take many forms and can happen anywhere. Some common eye emergencies include:

Head trauma

Corneal abrasions or scratches

A foreign object in the eye

Chemicals in the eye

Sudden changes in vision

Partial or complete vision loss

Thick yellow, green, or white discharge from your eye(s)

Sudden increase or changes in floaters

Flashes in your vision

Blood in front of the iris (please find the nearest emergency facility)

Even the most seemingly mild eye injury can lead to complications or potential vision loss. Not all injuries are immediately noticeable, and only a thorough eye exam can properly detect the extent of an eye injury.

Emergency Action You Can Take Yourself

In some cases of injury, there are things you can do to help reduce damage before getting to a doctor.

If you have experienced a chemical burn or a chemical has entered your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with cool, clean water for at least 15 minutes. Your eyes may feel better immediately, but it is important to continue rinsing for the full 15 minutes to rid your eyes of as much chemical as possible. After flushing your eyes, head to an emergency facility.

Chemical Contact

Foreign Object

When you have something small in your eye, like pet hair, makeup, or dirt, you can remove these bits by flushing them out with clean water, artificial tears, or blinking. Never use tweezers in or around your eyes.

Larger or sharper items, like glass or metal, can cause more damage and require medical attention to remove. If this happens, do not rub your eye. Call us immediately or visit your nearest emergency room.

Cut, Puncture, or Scratch

If your eye is cut, scratched, or something has punctured your eye, you will require medical attention. To protect your eye from further injury before getting help, please:

Gently cover your eye with something that can act as a shield, like the bottom of a paper cup taped around your eye.
DO NOT rub or apply pressure to your eye.
DO NOT rinse with water.
DO NOT take any painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen.

Blunt Trauma

Getting hit in the eye or face can cause several eye injuries, such as a black eye, corneal abrasion, or retinal detachment. If you get hit in the eye, gently apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.

If you develop a black eye or experience vision changes even after a light blow, call us immediately or visit your nearest emergency room. Your injury may be more serious than it looks.