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Eye Injuries: When to Seek Urgent Care in Florence, SC

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Eye injuries can happen in an instant, during home repairs, yard work, sports, or even everyday accidents. Some seem minor but may lead to serious damage without proper treatment. At Eyes Over Florence, our experienced team provides prompt, expert care for all types of eye injuries to help protect and preserve your vision.

Conveniently located inside Eyemart Express on David H. McLeod Blvd, we’re proud to serve the Florence community with comprehensive emergency eye care.

Common Eye Injuries We Treat

Our team, led by Dr. Michelle L. Brooks, treats a wide range of ocular injuries using advanced tools and a patient-first approach. Below are some of the most common injuries we see in our eye emergency care clinic:

Scratched Cornea (Corneal Abrasion)

This is one of the most frequent eye injuries. Caused by fingernails, debris, or contact lenses, corneal abrasions are painful and can cause redness, tearing, or light sensitivity. Prompt evaluation helps prevent infection and complications.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Whether it’s metal, wood, dust, or glass, foreign materials in the eye can cause irritation, infection, or even permanent vision damage. Never attempt to remove sharp or embedded objects on your own; seek professional care immediately.

Chemical Exposure

Cleaning products, sprays, and other chemicals can cause chemical burns, leading to severe discomfort, redness, and potential damage. If this happens, rinse your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and head to our clinic right away.

Blunt Force Trauma

Sports injuries, car accidents, or falls can cause swelling, bruising (black eye), bleeding, or even fractures around the eye socket. Symptoms such as vision changes, severe pain, or limited eye movement require urgent evaluation.

Penetrating Injuries

Sharp objects like shattered glass or wire can pierce the eye’s surface, causing severe trauma. Do not remove the object. Stabilize the area and come directly to Eyes Over Florence or the nearest emergency room.

When to Seek Immediate Eye Injury Treatment

Contact us right away if you experience:

  • Persistent or sharp eye pain
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Swelling, bruising, or bleeding
  • Trouble moving or opening the eye

These symptoms could indicate a serious injury requiring immediate attention. Delaying care increases your risk of permanent damage.

How We Treat Eye Injuries at Eyes Over Florence

Our team provides individualized treatment based on the type and severity of your injury. Common treatments include:

  • Eye flushing to remove irritants or chemicals
  • Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection
  • Foreign object removal using precision instruments
  • Protective bandaging or patching to support healing
  • Referrals for surgical intervention in more severe or complex cases

Learn more about our emergency eye care services.

Preventing Eye Injuries: Safety Starts at Home

While some accidents are unavoidable, many eye injuries can be prevented by taking simple precautions:

  • Wear safety goggles when doing yard work, using power tools, or handling chemicals
  • Keep household cleaners out of reach and use them in ventilated areas
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes—flush with clean water instead if you feel irritation
  • Practice proper contact lens hygiene to avoid infection or scratches

Need protective eyewear? Ask us about specialty lenses and eyewear designed to reduce injury risk.

Local, Same-Day Eye Care in Florence, SC

At Eyes Over Florence, we’re committed to helping our community access fast, professional treatment when eye emergencies happen. Whether it’s a scratch, trauma, or something more serious, we’re ready to help you heal and protect your sight.

📞 Call 843-773-2758 or book your urgent eye care appointment now.

FAQs: Eye Injuries

What should I do if I get something in my eye?
Rinse gently with water or saline. If pain, redness, or vision issues persist, seek care immediately.
Can a scratched eye heal on its own?
Minor abrasions may heal within 24–48 hours, but deeper scratches need treatment to prevent infection or scarring.
Is chemical exposure to the eye serious?
Yes. Flush your eyes immediately and seek care right away. Some chemicals can cause lasting damage.
How do I know if an eye injury is serious?
Any injury that causes vision changes, pain, bleeding, or swelling should be considered serious and evaluated quickly.
Can untreated injuries lead to vision loss?
Absolutely. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent permanent complications, especially with trauma, infections, or embedded foreign objects.