Eye Conditions

Do You Have a Black Eye?

A black eye is caused by blunt trauma that can occur from a fall or sports accident. This can be a serious injury that requires an examination right away. A physician can look inside your eye with instruments that reveal the condition of the back of the eye socket. If there is a problem such as a detached retina, then you will need emergency surgery. In most cases, a black eye affects only the skin around the eyes, so you can apply warm or cold compresses to reduce any pain or swelling.

Do You Have Blurry Vision?

Sudden blurry vision can indicate that you have a health issue that requires attention. A stroke or brain tumor can cause this problem. In addition, you can have blurry vision from eye strain due to reading too much or spending too much time using electronic devices such as computers. You may need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision. If you have vision impairment that is worsening over time, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition such as age-related macular degeneration, which requires the care of an specialized ophthalmologist.

Do You Have an Eye Infection?

Infection of one or both eyes can occur due to exposure to pathogens such as bacteria along with contamination from pollutants such as chemicals. Common eye infections include pink eye and blepharitis. The symptoms from blepharitis can include having watery eyes that burn, or you may have crusty debris on the eyelids. A physician can provide antiviral eye drops to relieve the discomfort in your eyes.

Have You Scratched an Eyeball?

If you wear contact lenses, then it is easy to scratch an eyeball with harder lenses or a fingernail. This can lead to a serious acanthamoeba keratitis infection that causes discomfort from light sensitivity, blurred vision, or excessive moisture from the tear ducts. A physician can prescribe antibiotic oral medications along with eye drops that will eliminate this infection.

Is Something Caught in Your Eye?

Foreign bodies can cause corneal abrasions and significant discomfort, even if the cause is a tiny speck of dust or loose eyelash. If you are unable to remove the object at home using artificial tears, we can take a better look using a focused light to locate and remove the foreign object, quickly restoring clear vision and comfort. Be careful to avoid rubbing, since this can increase the risk of scratching the eye.

Do You Have Bumps around Your Eyes?

It is possible to have bumps around your eyes, and these are often on the upper or lower eyelids. Styes can feel irritating or obscure your vision, but the little bumps usually go away within a few days. Massage your eyes with clean fingers, or you can apply soothing compresses that will reduce the pain from these bumps.

Are You Having Sudden Double Vision?

When you have double vision, it is a serious medical issue, indicating that you have a head injury or a problem with your brain. You should visit an urgent care center such as WellCare immediately to determine if you have had a stroke or have a concussion. The treatment for double vision varies, depending on its cause.

How to Prevent Eye Injuries

While eye injuries cannot always be prevented, there are a few ways to keep your eyes protected. Regular eye exams are important for maintain good eye health, because they allow you to be aware of vision changes or developing conditions before they worsen. If you play sports or work manual labor jobs, protective eyewear can decrease the risk of an injury. When washing your face, make sure to use a clean cloth and avoid getting products directly in the eye, since this can cause infection or irritation. On sunny days, make sure to wear sunglasses and avoid looking directly into the sun. When eye emergencies do occur, we encourage you to visit Wellcare for immediate care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Pain

Can urgent care do anything for eye issues? Yes, urgent care can evaluate and treat common eye issues like infections, minor injuries, allergic reactions, or foreign objects in the eye. For severe trauma or sudden vision loss, emergency care may be needed. Which eye disorders require immediate treatment? Sudden vision loss, eye trauma, chemical exposure, or symptoms like flashes of light and floaters can signal serious conditions and require immediate evaluation. If you experience these symptoms, go to the ER as soon as possible. How long do black eyes take to heal? Most black eyes heal within 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling and discoloration gradually improve with rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain relief. What is a red flag for blurry vision? Blurry vision that comes on suddenly, affects only one eye, or is accompanied by pain, headache, or flashing lights should be evaluated immediately, as it may be a sign of a serious condition. Evaluation by a medical professional can determine the severity of the condition. Will an eye infection clear on its own? Some mild eye infections like viral conjunctivitis may resolve on their own, but bacterial infections often need antibiotic drops. It's best to have your eye evaluated to determine the cause and proper treatment.

Come into WellCare

Eye problems are not to be taken lightly. If you are suffering from an eye problem then come into WellCare Urgent Care right away so that we can find a treatment for you and prevent any further problems from occurring. You can book an appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard locations.