Emergency Eye Care

Southern Eye Institute

Board-Certified Ophthalmologists & Board Certified Optometrist located in Houma, LA & Thibodaux, LA

When you have an eye emergency, you want an experienced, trusted doctor you can count on. The board-certified ophthalmologists at Southern Eye Institute in Houma and Thibodaux, Louisiana, provide expert emergency eye care for issues like trauma, infection, or sudden vision loss. If you’re experiencing a concerning eye emergency, call one of the locations immediately to get the care you need to avoid serious complications. Future appointments may be scheduled using the online tool.

Emergency Eye Care Q & A

Do I need emergency eye care?

Emergency eye care is essential following trauma or an accident. You’re at the greatest risk of eye injuries during contact sports or in certain work environments. Some eye conditions may occur spontaneously and require immediate medical attention.

Call Southern Eye Institute to request an emergency appointment if you experience any of the following:

Eye scratches
Corneal abrasions
Swollen eyelids
Foreign bodies in the eye
Eye pain
Redness or swelling
Eye drainage

The presence of eye floaters and flashers also indicates a retinal tear or detachment, a serious eye emergency. These tiny specks are present in your line of vision. They move around as your eyes move and don’t go away on their own.

What is involved in emergency eye care?

When you come to Southern Eye Institute with an eye emergency, your ophthalmologist provides a comprehensive eye exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Seeking emergency eye care as soon as you start to notice vision issues or pain helps you avoid complications and even loss of vision.

How should I care for an eye emergency?

After an eye incident, the steps you take immediately after matter for the healing process. The following strategies can help you manage an eye emergency until you can get to Southern Eye Institute for care.

Cuts or abrasions

Don’t wash a cut or scraped eye. Also, don’t try to remove objects that may be stuck in your eye. Instead, bandage it gently — applying zero pressure — and make your way to Southern Eye Institute.

Objects in the eye

If you get something caught in your eye, pull your upper lid down over the lashes of the lower lid and blink repetitively. This helps to encourage tears that can flush out the irritant. If this doesn’t help, call Southern Eye Institute.

How can I prevent the need for emergency eye care?

Taking smart steps every day helps protect your eyes and your vision. While not all injuries can be prevented, you can reduce your risk of having an eye emergency by: