Eye Injuries
Eye injuries range from minor surface scratches to sight-threatening emergencies. Fast, professional care is critical—well-intended “DIY fixes” can worsen damage or delay the right treatment. If you experience sudden vision loss, a penetrating injury, a chemical splash, severe eye pain, or a curtain/shadow over vision, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.
OVERVIEW
Keep your eyes sharp and healthy by getting immediate care after an eye injury at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Fort Worth and Frisco, TX. Patients who try to fix eye injuries themselves can unintentionally do more harm than good. The safest choice is to come to iCare, where you’ll find short wait times and 24-hour emergency care services to assess and treat injuries such as blunt-force trauma, chemical burns, complicated allergic reactions, retinal detachments, foreign bodies (objects stuck in the eye), and more. Our ER-experienced clinicians can evaluate your symptoms quickly, relieve pain, protect the eye, and coordinate ophthalmology care when needed—all in one location.
SYMPTOMS OF EYE INJURIES
To avoid losing your vision, it’s essential to seek emergency care if you notice any of the following signs of eye trauma:
Blood in the eye(s) (hyphema)
Blurred, doubled, or lost vision
Cut or split eyelid(s)
Debris (large or small) forced into the eye
Floaters (specks or clouds drifting through your vision)
Pain or discomfort, foreign-body sensation, burning, or tearing
Retinal detachment warning signs (new flashes/floaters, curtain over vision)
Splashed poison or chemical in the eye(s)
Swollen or bruised area on or around the eyes (black eye, orbital injury)
Trouble opening or closing one or both eyes, or light sensitivity (photophobia)
Call 911 now for high-velocity projectiles, suspected globe rupture, sudden severe vision changes, or significant facial trauma.
RISK FACTORS OF EYE INJURIES
Many everyday activities raise the risk of eye injuries—even when we don’t realize it. While most eye injuries are preventable, they can happen in the blink of an eye. You’re at higher risk if you:
Are involved in automobile accidents or ride unrestrained passengers
Have children who play with pointed or projectile toys
Experience cooking mishaps (splattering oil, hot liquids, cleaning sprays)
Participate in sports or activities with sharp objects, fast equipment, or facial impact risk (e.g., archery, baseball, football, racquet sports, cycling)
Work with/around chemicals (industrial cleaners, solvents, pool chemicals), do yardwork, grinding, or home DIY projects without proper eye protection
WHAT TO IF YOU HAVE AN EYE INJURY
Do not rub the eye or apply pressure—this can worsen abrasions or push debris deeper.
Do not attempt to fix or remove objects from the eye(s)—this includes contact lenses present at the time of the incident. If chemicals are involved, begin gentle irrigation while avoiding manipulation; our team will safely remove contacts during your evaluation.
Do not drive yourself if your vision is impaired; arrange a ride to iCare ER & Urgent Care in Fort Worth or Frisco.
For chemical splashes, start copious irrigation immediately with clean water or saline while you head to care; bring the product container or SDS if available.
Shield, don’t patch, for suspected penetrating injuries—lightly cover the eye to prevent pressure.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT iCARE ER & URGENT CARE
The best step after an eye injury is to be seen by an emergency-trained physician—prompt care can save your vision. At iCare ER & Urgent Care:
Rapid Triage & Vision Check
We promptly measure visual acuity, assess pain, pupil response, and screen for red-flag emergencies that need immediate intervention.Slit-Lamp & Fluorescein Examination
Using a microscope (slit-lamp), we closely evaluate the cornea, conjunctiva, and anterior chamber. Fluorescein dye helps reveal scratches, corneal defects, and leaks.Foreign Body Removal & Irrigation
When appropriate, we gently remove superficial debris (including metallic fragments) and perform copious irrigation for chemical injuries. Metallic objects may require rust-ring management.Targeted Medications & Protection
Antibiotic drops/ointments to prevent infection (special protocols for contact-lens wearers)
Pain control and cycloplegic drops when indicated to reduce ciliary spasm and light sensitivity
Tetanus updates and careful wound care for periocular lacerations
Protective shielding and instructions to avoid rubbing or pressure
On-Site Diagnostics & Coordination
If needed, we order X-rays or facilitate advanced imaging and urgent ophthalmology consultation. Should hospital-level care be required, our team will transfer you to a local hospital or eye specialist for more intensive treatment—keeping you informed at every step.Clear After-Care & Follow-Up
You’ll leave with written instructions for drops/ointments, activity restrictions, eye protection, and warning signsthat require an immediate recheck (worsening pain, spreading redness, new floaters/flashes, reduced vision). We also provide guidance on contact-lens hygiene and when it’s safe to resume wear.
EYE INJURY PREVENTION TIPS
Wear ANSI-rated protective eyewear for grinding, yardwork, sports, and DIY projects.
Store and use chemicals safely; open containers away from the face and ventilate the area.
Use guards and shields on power tools; keep children away from projectiles and fireworks.
Practice strict contact-lens hygiene (no sleeping in lenses unless directed, proper cleaning, replace cases regularly).
Protect against UV exposure with appropriate welding shields or quality sunglasses.
WHY CHOOSE iCare ER & Urgent Care
All in one location: Evaluation, slit-lamp exam, foreign-body removal, irrigation, medications, and on-site diagnostics in a single visit.
ER-experienced providers: Skilled in ocular triage, abrasion and foreign-body management, chemical injury care, and trauma stabilization.
Short waits & 24-hour emergency services: Fast access when every minute matters.
Seamless coordination: If advanced imaging or surgery is needed, we arrange prompt transfer to the right specialist or hospital.
Convenient North Texas locations: Fort Worth and Frisco.
Eye injury today? Don’t risk your sight. Visit an iCare ER & Urgent Care location in Fort Worth or Frisco, Texas for expert, timely treatment. Walk-ins welcome—or check in online to be seen quickly.
