Emergency Eye Care & Urgent Eye Appointments in Anchorage

An eye injury is any damage to the eye, the eyelids, or the area around them, ranging from a minor surface scratch to severe trauma that can threaten your sight. Injuries can be caused by blunt force, penetrating objects, chemical exposure, thermal burns, or radiation. Most of them can be evaluated and treated right here in our office, with the same equipment we use for a full eye exam.

• Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye surface)
• Foreign objects in the eye
• Chemical exposure or burns
• Sudden vision loss or changes
• Sudden floaters or flashes of light
• Eye infections (pink eye, bacterial)
• Blunt trauma or blow to the eye
• Eyelid lacerations
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage
• Severe eye pain

A few injuries need a hospital before they need an optometrist. Go to the nearest Emergency Department right away if any of these apply, then call us so we can coordinate your follow-up care.

Retinal detachment

The retina separates from the back of the eye. Warning signs are a sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain moving across your vision. This needs urgent evaluation and is usually repaired surgically by a retina specialist.

Penetrating eye injury

A sharp object pierces the eye. Do not remove the object and do not put pressure on the eye. Cover it loosely, without pressing, and get to an Emergency Department immediately.

Orbital fracture

A break in the bone around the eye socket, usually caused by a heavy blow to the face. It generally needs imaging to assess properly, so the Emergency Department is the right first stop.

A few simple steps protect your eye while you are on your way to our office.

• Do not rub your eye.
• Do not try to remove an embedded object.
• Do not use cotton swabs or sharp instruments.
• For chemical exposure, flush gently with clean water for 15 minutes, then call us.
• For a blow to the eye, apply a cold compress gently without pressure.