Emergency Eye Care in Galesburg, IL
Eye emergencies can happen anytime—when they do, you need fast, expert care to protect your vision. Whether it’s sudden vision loss, an eye injury, or severe eye pain, waiting too long to seek treatment could put your sight at risk. At Precision Family Eyecare, Dr. Nathan Dieckow provides same-day and after-hours emergency eye care to ensure you receive immediate attention when it matters most. Call us for guidance and treatment if you’re experiencing an urgent eye problem.
When to Seek Emergency Eye Care
Not sure if your eye problem requires immediate attention? If you’re experiencing any of the following, call us:
- Blurry vision, double vision, or blind spots
- Cuts, impact injuries, or blunt force to the eye
- Flashes of light or new floaters
- Severe eye pain or redness
- Metal, glass, dust, or debris in the eye that won’t flush out
- Chemical exposure or burns to the eye
- Swollen, itchy, or crusted eyes
- Severe headache with vision problems
If in doubt, don’t wait — call Precision Family Eyecare! If left untreated, some eye conditions can worsen within hours, leading to permanent vision loss
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
Taking immediate action can help reduce damage and improve outcomes before you receive professional care. Follow these first-aid steps:
1. Chemical Exposure (Household Cleaners, Workplace Accidents, etc.)
- Rinse the affected eye immediately with clean, lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
2. Foreign Object in the Eye (Dust, Metal, Glass, etc.)
- Try blinking or flushing your eye with sterile saline or clean water.
- Do NOT rub your eye or attempt to remove an embedded object.
3. Blunt Force Trauma (Sports Injury, Accidental Impact, etc.)
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, but avoid putting direct pressure on the eye.
4. Severe Eye Infection (Redness, Discharge, Swelling, etc.)
- Remove contact lenses immediately (if applicable).
- Avoid touching or rubbing the eye.
How Our Galesburg Eye Doctor Can Help
When you arrive, Dr. Dieckow will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the severity of your eye condition.
- Foreign Object Removal: Safely remove debris, dust, or embedded particles.
- Eye Flushing & Irrigation: For chemical exposure or severe irritation.
- Infection Treatment: Prescribing antibiotic drops for pink eye, corneal ulcers, or severe irritation.
- Corneal & Retinal Evaluations: Checking for scratches, tears, or retinal detachment.
- Pressure Management: Evaluating for glaucoma-related emergencies.
- Emergency Vision Loss Assessments: Identifying stroke-related vision loss, migraines, or neurological concerns.
If your condition requires specialized surgical care, Dr. Dieckow will coordinate an immediate referral to an ophthalmologist or emergency department.
After-Hours Emergency Eye Care
Not all eye emergencies happen during business hours. Dr. Dieckow is available to see urgent cases outside of regular office hours.
Call Precision Family Eyecare in Galesburg, IL, for after-hours emergencies.
