Eye injuries and emergency care

Emergency treatment for eye injuries – what to do?

Whether foreign bodies, chemicals or blunt trauma – eye injuries should always be taken seriously. At Augenpraxis Odeon, we provide fast and professional emergency care to help prevent permanent damage.

Immediate emergency care is required if you experience any of the following:

  • Sudden loss of vision or severe visual deterioration
  • Chemicals in the eye (chemical burn)
  • Flashes of light, sudden floaters or shadows in the visual field
  • Foreign body in the eye
  • Severe pain or swelling
  • Double vision or distorted vision

Common eye injuries and first aid

In an emergency, every minute counts. Below you will find an overview of common eye injuries and the most important first-aid measures.

Symptoms:

  • Foreign body sensation, burning, excessive tearing
  • Light sensitivity, scratching sensation when blinking

First aid:

  • Do not rub or touch the eye!
  • Rinse with clean water or saline solution (not in cases of deeply embedded foreign bodies).
  • Cover the eye with a clean cloth and seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms:

  • Severe pain, redness, excessive tearing
  • Blurred vision, swelling

First aid:

  • Immediately rinse under running water for 10–15 minutes!
  • Keep the eyes as wide open as possible and look in all directions.
  • Do not apply pressure to the eye!
  • Seek immediate medical attention from an emergency department or an ophthalmologist.

Symptoms:

  • Pain, swelling, bruising (black eye)
  • Blurred vision, double vision
  • Bleeding inside the eye

First aid:

  • Cool the area using a cold, damp cloth or a cooling pad (do not apply direct pressure to the eye).
  • Do not press on or rub the eye!
  • If symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms:

  • Severe pain, bleeding, gaping wound
  • Deterioration of vision or vision loss

First aid:

  • Do not attempt to manipulate the eyelid or the eye itself!
  • Loosely cover the eye with a sterile dressing to prevent further damage.
  • Seek immediate medical attention!

Symptoms:

  • Flashes of light or sudden appearance of black spots (“floaters”)
  • Dark shadow in the field of vision
  • Sudden deterioration of vision

First aid:

  • Seek immediate ophthalmic care!
  • Keep your head as still as possible and avoid sudden movements.
  • Any delay can reduce the chances of successful treatment.

Emergency care at Augenpraxis Odeon

We specialise in the rapid and professional treatment of eye injuries and acute visual disturbances. Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art diagnostics to initiate the appropriate therapy without delay.

  • Immediate diagnostics using high-resolution imaging
  • Foreign body removal using precise microsurgical techniques
  • Treatment of chemical burns and corneal injuries
  • Laser therapy for retinal tears or haemorrhages
  • Emergency surgical procedures for severe eye injuries

Why Augenpraxis Odeon?

Frequently asked questions

You should consult an ophthalmologist immediately if:

  • You notice sudden visual disturbances or a significant deterioration in vision.
  • Your eye is painful or you experience a strong sensation of pressure.
  • A foreign body is lodged in the eye and cannot be removed safely.
  • Your eye has come into contact with chemicals or irritating substances.
  • Your eye is severely red, swollen, or unusually sensitive to light.
  • You notice flashes of light, black spots (“floaters”), or a dark shadow in your field of vision.
  • Your eye has been injured due to a blow, fall, or accident.

Important: Even if symptoms initially seem mild, untreated eye injuries can lead to long-term damage. When in doubt, seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

Do not touch or rub the eye. In case of chemical exposure, rinse the eye immediately. Protect the eye and
seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist without delay.

For acute eye injuries, we offer short-notice emergency appointments. Please contact us by phone in advance.

If our practice is closed, please go to the nearest eye clinic or emergency department.

In most cases, yes. Emergency treatments are medically necessary and are usually covered by health insurance.