EYE INJURY

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR EYE INJURY

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

Knocked out (unconscious)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You think you have a serious injury
Vision is blurred or lost in either eye
Severe pain
Constant tearing or blinking
Double vision or unable to look upward
Bloody or cloudy fluid behind the cornea (clear part)
Object hit the eye at high speed (such as from a lawn mower)
Sharp object hit the eye (such as a metallic chip)
Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
Any cut on the eyelid or eyeball
"Black eyes" bilaterally (on both sides)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think you need to be seen
Large swelling or bruise (wider than 2 inches) at the site of the injury
Eyelids swollen shut
No tetanus booster in more than 10 years (5 years for dirty cuts and scrapes)

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
Pain has not improved after 3 days

Self Care at Home If

Minor eye injury and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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