You should take good care of your eyes. Depending on your current health state, you may not need to do much. Or, you might need to visit an eye care clinic periodically. Regardless, there are some eye-related emergencies everyone should be aware of. 

Swelling Around Your Eye

Sometimes swelling around your eye isn't due to an optical emergency. For example, you may experience it following a beauty treatment and it may resolve with over-the-counter drugs. However, if you experience sudden swelling with no apparent cause or the swelling doesn't go down, you should contact an eye doctor. Some eye infections, like cellulitis, are severe enough to cause lasting damage. You may need antibiotics, either orally or via an IV. However, it may also be the case that you're suffering from a nasty bout of conjunctivitis. If this happens, an eye clinic can prescribe antibiotics and encourage self-treatment.

Sudden Loss of Vision

Any sudden loss of vision requires urgent treatment. A common cause is a blocked blood vessel or a bleed. Both events can arise when you have a condition such as diabetes or if you've suffered recent facial trauma that you didn't seek treatment for. Although the treatment you receive won't occur at your local clinic, they can make an emergency referral. If you can't contact someone at your local clinic, head to an emergency department.

Corneal Ulcer

Corneal ulcers are ulcers that appear on the cornea of your eye. Certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause them. You're also more likely to experience one if you wear contact lenses. Their symptoms vary but can include severe pain, a feeling that something is in your eye, redness, and blurry vision. As many other eye conditions present such symptoms, it's worth scheduling an appointment so an optician can rule out an ulcer. All ulcers require immediate treatment to prevent loss of vision.

Foreign Objects and Chemicals

Your eyes come into contact with irritants every day. However, some irritants are more harmful than others. Examples include cleaning chemicals, petrol, and controlled noxious substances. Similarly, shards of metal and wood that get into your eye can cause permanent damage. If you have a foreign object in your eye or you splash it with a chemical, call a professional for advice. They'll perform a quick assessment over the phone and identify whether you need emergency treatment. 

Overall, if you're experiencing unusual pain or symptoms, it's best to take a cautious approach and speak to an eye doctor. They can advise you on whether emergency measures are necessary or put your mind at ease. Contact an eye care clinic like Mordialloc Optical to learn more.