First things first, if you have something which you think is an eye emergency, please get it checked as soon as possible. If you’re in Singapore, get in touch with the specialists at Chelvin Eye Center now via this link: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/.
Unlike routine checkups, an eye emergency needs to be checked as soon as possible to prevent permanent vision loss or other serious complications. Also, timely assessment at an accredited eye clinic in Singapore ensures that the correct diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is provided promptly.
Any delay in seeking treatment cannot only lead to worsening of the condition but also cause irreversible damage to the eyes. In this article, we clarify eye problems which qualify as emergencies. Keep reading!
What Eye Problems Need Immediate Attention?
It isn’t easy to tell always when your condition is serious. So, we recommend that if you’re in doubt, please just call an eye specialist as soon as possible. When you place a call at Chelvin Sng eye center in Singapore, you will get a hold of either our lead ophthalmologist or staff who will pay attention to your concerns and symptoms and make arrangements to have you brought in if the symptoms are suggestive of something serious. In the meantime, here is a quick summary of the eye problems that need immediate attention;
● Sudden Vision Loss
It is not normal to experience a sudden loss of vision either in one or both eyes. A sudden vision loss could indicate various serious conditions like retinal detachment, stroke, or optic nerve damage.
These conditions can’t wait. They require urgent medical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina detaches from the back of the eye. This may cause a curtain-like shadow over the field of vision.
A stroke that affects the eye’s blood supply can cause sudden vision loss. This is often accompanied by other neurological symptoms. Optic nerve damage, due to conditions like glaucoma or trauma, can also lead to sudden vision loss and requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage.
● Flashes and Floaters
Did you see flashes of light or floaters in your vision? That could be a retinal tear or detachment. Just so you know, floaters are tiny specks or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision.
Usually, they are harmless but could indicate a more serious underlying issue if they’re accompanied by flashes of light. A retinal tear or detachment can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Flashes of light occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls on the retina. This effect stimulates it to produce visual signals. So, experiencing new flashes or an increase in floaters should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention to rule out any serious conditions.
● Eye Pain or Redness
Persistent eye pain or redness should also not be taken casually. These changes can indicate various eye conditions, including infections, inflammation, or foreign body sensations.
Example conditions that may trigger eye pain or redness include conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal abrasions, or uveitis (inflammation of the uvea). These conditions can cause significant discomfort and require medical attention.
Incidentally, conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread easily. And, corneal abrasions may lead to infections if not properly treated. Uveitis, if left untreated, can cause complications like glaucoma or cataracts.
So, any persistent eye pain or redness should be evaluated at an eye clinic in Singapore promptly. The specialists in the facility can help you determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
● Double Vision
Double vision is also known as diplopia. It occurs when you see two images of a single object.
The images in this case may appear either side by side or overlapping. Double vision may be due to various factors, including nerve damage, muscle weakness, or underlying health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.
It is a complex condition that has the potential to cause a significant impact on daily activities such as reading, driving, or walking. It may also indicate serious neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or brain tumors.
Therefore, any sudden onset or persistent double vision shouldn’t be ignored. They require immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate management.
● Halos around Lights
Seeing halos around lights, especially at night, can be a sign of eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. Now, a cataract is the eye condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy.
The clouding of the lenses may lead to light scattering thus the perception of halos around bright lights. Glaucoma, on the other hand, increases intraocular pressure.
This increased pressure can distort the shape of the cornea and also lead to halos around lights. Both conditions require prompt medical attention to prevent vision loss and further complications. If you experience halos around lights, particularly accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain or blurred vision, seek immediate evaluation by an eye care professional.
● Sudden Onset of Headaches
The sudden onset of severe headaches is also not something to take lightly. This is especially important if the headaches are accompanied by vision changes.
Such headaches can be indicative of serious conditions like acute angle-closure glaucoma or optic neuritis. Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle of the eye suddenly becomes blocked.
This leads to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure which can cause severe eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve.
It can also cause vision loss, eye pain, and headaches. Both conditions require urgent medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss and manage symptoms effectively.
● Foreign Body Sensation or Scratched Eye
Visit an accredited eye clinic in Singapore immediately if you feel like there’s something stuck in your eye or experience a scratched sensation. This is important as foreign bodies in the eye can cause corneal abrasions or scratches, which can lead to infections or corneal ulcers if left untreated.
Symptoms are varied but may include pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Prompt evaluation by an eye care professional is necessary to remove the foreign body, treat any underlying injuries, and prevent complications. Importantly, resist the urge to rub the eye, as this can exacerbate the injury and lead to further damage.
Wrapping Up
There are so many eye problems that may demand immediate assessment in an eye clinic in Singapore so this list isn’t by any means conclusive. As a general rule, if you’re concerned, inform your eye specialist immediately. They should be able to guide you on the best next course of action.
Do you experience symptoms that are giving you concerns? Our lines are always open for emergency cases. To get ahold of the specialists in our clinic, please get in touch via;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282