I just got a telephone call from a patient complaining of eye pain.  Triaging the complaint is probably the most important thing a doctor or staff can do.  There are certain questions that must be asked when trying to ascertain the reason for the pain.

How and when did the pain start?

Is it one eye or both?

Is the patient a contact lens wearer and was he/she wearing the lens when the pain started or after removal?

Is the eye red, tearing, or oozing?

Are the eyelids stuck together?

Was there any trauma to the eye?

Once the questions are asked and the eye doctor has an idea about the case, the patient’s eyes need to be checked thoroughly with a microscope called a slit lamp. This instrument magnifies the doctor’s view from 6 to 30 times aiding with the diagnosis.  In some cases, dilation and an internal eye evaluation must be done.

What causes pain?

Severe pain may be due to a corneal abrasion.

Moderate to severe pain may be due to a corneal ulcer, which is a bacterial infection usually caused by injury, underlying disease or over-wearing a contact lens.

Deep pain may be due to blunt trauma indicating a medical eye emergency.

Mild pain can be caused by a simple red eye or allergy.

Whatever the reason, it is always a good idea to seek eyecare from a qualified eye doctor if your eyes are not seeing well, looking good in a mirror, or feeling good.

Have your eyes examined regularly.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
www.optixeyecare.com

This was a very interesting week for emergency visits to Optix.  I don’t think I can remember any time in my soon-to-be 30 years in practice that I have seen so many emergencies in one week.

• Red eyes (conjunctivitis and broken blood vessels)
• Dry eyes (38 year old mother)
• Painful eyes
• Severe headaches
• Torn contact lens stuck under the lid
• Sudden floating spots and flashes of light
• Foreign bodies in the cornea (a tree trimmer)
• Foreign bodies under the lids (an air conditioner repairman)
• Swollen eyelids
• Eye contusions from a fall into a chair (an elderly lady)
• Sudden vision changes from uncontrolled diabetes (a 40 year old man)

As one can see, emergencies can come in many forms.  Fortunately, as an optometrist, my training affords me the ability to diagnose, and in most cases treat many of these emergencies.  So if the unfortunate circumstance arises that you, a friend or family member needs emergency eyecare, call my office and we will see you immediately.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
Optix Family Eyecare Center
www.optixeyecare.com