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| If you have recently had surgery, it is imperative you report any sudden changes to your surgeon. Loss of vision, pain, floaters, or bleeding can indicate a serious complication.
If you are a patient of Glaucoma Consultants Northwest, call the office at (206) 682-3447. If it is after office hours, the answering service will contact the appropriate doctor immediately.
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Consult an ophthalmologist immediately if any of the following occur:
* Chemical in eyes
* Severe trauma to eyes
* Severe pain
* Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
* Sudden onset of double vision
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| If a chemical gets in the eyes, immediately irrigate with water for at least 15-20 minutes. If tap water is all that is available, it is better than nothing! Get to an ophthalmologist immediately after irrigating the eye, and try to bring the container and any relevant information about the chemical |
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| If the eye is cut or punctured, patch the affected eye, and patch the other eye also. The eye muscles are yoked together, and if the good eye moves, the injured eye is also moving behind the patch, possibly causing further damage |
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| If someone has sustained blunt trauma to the eye, such as a ball or a fist, do not press on the eye, as that could cause further damage. Apply small, cold compresses gently to the affected eye. |
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| A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes can indicate a potentially life threatening problem, such as a stroke. Immediately call your eye care practitioner and proceed to the nearest emergency room. |
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| A sudden onset of double vision, absent of recent trauma or injury, in an adult can also indicate serious neurological problems. Call your eye care practitioner immediately. |
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Prevention is the most important aspect of eye safety. Always wear protective goggles when cutting or sawing wood, hammering nails, or any activity which could involve objects flying in the eyes.
Also wear goggles when playing racquet sports, or working with chemicals that could splash into the eyes.
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