Emergency Eye Care

The Emergency Ophthalmology Services provides 24-hour care for many different types of eye problems. There is a complete range of eye trauma services available, as well as subspecialty services including cornea, glaucoma, ocular plastics and neuro-ophthalmology.

Q & A on Emergency Ophthalmology Services

What are the most common causes of eye injury?

Construction activities account for a large percentage of eye injuries seen at the Infirmary. Many of these injuries are preventable by use of appropriate eye safety protection. Everyone engaged in construction activities, either at home or on the job, should wear eye protection at all times.

Sports activities also account for a large number of eye injuries every year. Many people do not realize that sports activities such as basketball and golf can be associated with significant eye injuries. Many children also sustain eye injuries during sports. and therefore, protective eyewear during such activity is encouraged.

When should I come in to the Emergency room after having an eye injury?

Complete evaluation by an ophthalmologist is essential after any type of eye injury. Anyone who sustains a serious injury to the eye, including blunt injuries, should be seen as soon as possible. In the case of a serious eye injury, the injured eye should be covered with a protective shield and the injured person should not have anything to eat or drink since repair in the operating room may be required. Examination by emergency room physicians who are not ophthalmologists does not substitute for complete evaluation by a trained ophthalmologist. Complete examination of the eyes after an injury includes a slit lamp examination and dilated pupil examination. Prompt treatment of many eye injuries may lessen the impact of these injuries on patients' future visual functioning.

What should I do if I see flashing lights and floaters?

The sudden onset of many floating spots and flashing lights in association with the feeling that part of the vision is covered by a black curtain or a shade, may represent a retinal tear or detachment. Examination by an ophthalmologist is essential as soon as these symptoms appear. Anyone who has the onset of new floaters with or without flashing lights should be seen by an ophthalmologist for a dilated fundus exam.

What is viral conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis is a very common infection of the outer layer of the eye, the conjunctiva, usually caused by the common cold virus. Treatment is largely supportive, consisting of cool compresses and artificial tears. Often we give an antibiotic ointment to soothe the eye and protect it from bacterial infection, but this does not treat the viral process, which resolves on its own. Patients with viral conjunctivitis are contagious for approximately seven days after the onset of symptoms. Patients should be very careful to avoid touching their eyes and frequent hand washing is advised. The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can last up to three weeks and may fluctuate before finally resolving. Viral conjunctivitis is very common, especially in the winter months. Nonetheless, not all cases of a red eye are viral conjunctivitis and anyone who has a red eye that does not seem to be improving should be seen by an ophthalmologist to rule out other causes.

Contact Information

If you want more details on Emergency Eye Care Services at the Infirmary, please call 617-573-3431.

Director of Emergency Eye Services: Matthew Gardiner M.D.

content updated: 9/16/04