What Should—And Shouldn’t—You Do Right Away If You Injure Your Eye?

Baptist Eye Surgeons • January 20, 2020

A green sign with an eye and a cross on it.If you tune in to the Today Show , you’re probably aware that co-anchor Savannah Guthrie was absent from the show for a few weeks at the end of last year due to a serious eye injury. Guthrie, 47, first shared the news of her injury in late November, explaining that she was undergoing laser treatments to repair a torn retina, which was caused when her young son accidentally threw a toy train that hit her eye.

Within 24-hours after the toy hit her eye, Guthrie couldn’t see out of that eye due to a build up of blood behind the retinal tear. The retina is a layer of nerve cells that line the back wall of the eye, responsible for sensing light and sending signals to the brain.

In an attempt to repair the torn retina, her ophthalmologist performed numerous laser treatments over several days, but ultimately the retina detached from her eye and surgery was required to repair and reattach it—which hopefully would restore vision in her eye.

Perhaps because Guthrie was forthcoming about her struggle and how serious the risk was to her eyesight, many patients since then have asked how common such eye injuries are and what they should do if such something like that happens to them.

Unfortunately, everyday eye injuries are quite common, and the most common causes of eye injuries include:

Let’s take a look at how to first recognize symptoms of serious eye injuries, and then what to do—and not do to—increase your odds of preserving your vision.

Symptoms OF Serious Eye Injuries

Guthrie’s torn retina was not uncommon in that it a) blocked vision in that eye, and b) had a high risk of detaching, meaning that the thin retinal tissue layer pulled completely away from the eye.

A detached retina can cause permanent blindness, and the longer treatment is delay the higher the risk of losing vision. The same principles apply for a damaged cornea, which is the clear dome covering your iris and pupil. In either case, you should be seen the same day as the injury to make sure you don’t have a retinal tear or detachment or a corneal injury which might require surgery quickly.

So, if your eye is cut, hit, scratched, or even splashed by chemicals, how do you know if the injury is minor, or if your retina or cornea is at serious risk for permanent damage? The most common symptoms of serious retinal or corneal injuries requiring immediate medical care include:

  • Sudden onset of seeing floaters, or black specks
  • Sudden onset of seeing flashes of light
  • Partial or total loss of vision in that eye
  • Onset of blurry vision
  • Pain in the eye
  • Redness, or blood in the clear part of the eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • An unusual pupil size or shape
  • Cut or torn eyelid
  • Injured eye does not move as well as the other
  • A sensation that there’s something in the eye or under the eyelid that tears and blinking can’t remove

Keep in mind that while these symptoms are clear signals that you need quick medical attention, in some cases you can’t always tell when an eye injury is serious. Some injuries can slowly cause bleeding or very gradually raise eye pressure, and sometimes a detached retina can only be seen during an eye doctor’s examination.

For this reason—with any eye injury—it’s always wise to call your eye doctor and opt for being safe rather than sorry when it comes to your eyesight.

Immediate Do’s & Don’ts For Eye Injuries

It’s also important to know what you should do from the time the eye injury occurs until you see your eye doctor—even if the injury initially seems minor. Here are guidelines about what you should and shouldn’t do for the most common eye injuries:

HITS OR BLOWS

  • DO apply a cold compress gently with a clean washcloth to reduce pain and swelling.
  • DO NOT apply any pressure.
  • DO NOT apply steaks or other food items, which can get bacteria in your eye.
  • DO contact your eye doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, even after a light blow.

CUTS, SCRAPES, OR PUNCTURES

  • DO NOT try to remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
  • DO NOT rinse with water.
  • DO NOT rub your eye.
  • DO gently place a protective cover over the eye to shield the eye until you get medical attention. For example, you can tape heavy paper, such as the bottom of a paper cup, to your browbone and cheekbone.
  • DO NOT apply pressure or press the shield against the eye.
  • DO NOT take aspirin or ibuprofen, as these medications are blood thinners and may increase bleeding in your eye.

CHEMICAL BURNS OR SPLASHES

  • DO flush your eye immediately with clean water, continuously, for several minutes.
  • DO look at the label if you have the container the chemical came in to check for specific instructions about eye damage from that type of chemical.
  • DO seek medical treatment right away with your eye doctor or the emergency room.

The bottom line is if you do suffer an eye injury, even if it seems minor, consult with an eye doctor professional immediately.

At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we keep a certain number of emergency appointment times open in case you experience an eye injury, and our surgeons always advise that it’s smart to have your eyes checked out rather than take a wait-and-see approach.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to serious eye injuries, to complex surgeries. To meet our doctors and learn more about our specialities, visit our website, give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information, or schedule an appointment online.

What to Expect During Your First Eye Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 22, 2026
A thorough eye exam is an important part of keeping your vision healthy and protecting your eyes. If you are arranging for your first eye examination as an adult, if you are taking a child in for an evaluation, or if you have noticed any changes in your vision, knowing what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable. The eye exams carried out at Baptist Eye Surgeons not only check your vision but also look at your general eye health and spot any possible problems that might call for further investigation. What is the Importance of Eye Examinations? An eye examination does not merely enable one to find out if glasses or contact lenses are required. It lets an eye care professional assess how well your eyes are working and spot the signs of common eye conditions.  Some eye conditions can progress slowly without symptoms. Regular eye checkups can help detect changes earlier and make sure you receive appropriate treatment when needed. Step by step: The Process Involved in Having an Eye Examination Even though the different appointments may vary according to your particular needs, a typical full eye examination will involve a number of significant steps. 1. An Examination of Your Medical & Eye History Your appointment may start with questions about your vision, medical history, medications, any previous eye conditions, and your family history of eye disease. Be sure to report any changes in your vision, eye discomfort, headaches, or other concerns you have noticed. Your eye care professional may also ask about the glasses or contact lenses you currently use and how well they work for you. 2. Checking Your Vision A well-known part of an eye examination is the visual acuity test. You might be asked to read some letters or symbols from a chart at a set distance. This lets doctors assess how clearly you can see and decide whether corrective lenses would help. Further testing could assess your ability to see up close and the way well your eyes work together. 3. The Measurement of Eye Health & Function Your eye care professional might carry out a number of tests in order to assess the health and functioning of your eyes. The tests involved may vary depending on your age, symptoms, and risk factors and could include measuring eye pressure, examining eye movement and coordination, and looking at the structures at the front and back of the eye. They can help spot possible signs of eye disorders. 4. Discussing Your Results Your ophthalmologist will review the results with you after the examination. If your vision has changed, they may suggest new prescription lenses. If they spot an eye condition or another issue, they could recommend further testing, further monitoring, or treatment. It is also a good chance to ask questions regarding your eye health and the recommended follow-up care. What Should You do to Get Ready for your First Eye Examination? Having an eye examination usually involves nothing complicated. It is a good idea to take with you your present glasses or contact lens details and to be ready to give a list of any medications as well as any applicable medical or family history. Additionally, it might be helpful to remember any vision changes or symptoms you have had. Dilation may occur during the examination if certain tests are performed. After dilation has been advised, your vision might be temporarily blurred or more sensitive to light. Supporting Healthy Vision The initial eye examination is a valuable chance to determine a baseline for your eye health and understand your specific vision needs. Regular eye exams help monitor changes over time and support early detection of possible eye conditions. Plan a visit with an eye care professional if you have discovered any changes in your vision or if you're due for a check-up.

Children’s Vision Milestones: What Parents Should Watch For

August 28, 2026
Healthy vision is essential for a child's development, learning, and daily activities. From recognizing faces in infancy to reading, participating in sports, and navigating school, children depend on their eyesight to interpret and relate to their environment. Knowing typical vision milestones helps parents spot possible issues and seek appropriate care when needed. How Does Vision Develop in Children? Vision develops rapidly during the first years of life. Newborns perceive light, shapes, and nearby objects, although their vision remains immature. As children mature, their capacity to focus, track moving objects, recognize details, and coordinate both eyes improves progressively. Due to the gradual nature of visual development, regular eye examinations are essential. Certain childhood vision problems may not be readily apparent, especially when one eye is stronger than the other. Although each child develops at an individual pace, several general vision milestones may guide parental observation. 1. Infants: Birth to 12 Months Within the first year, infants typically develop the ability to focus on faces and objects, visually track moving items, and reach for objects they observe. Caregivers may also observe infants responding to known faces and visually exploring their environment. If an infant does not track objects, exhibits eyes that frequently cross or wander, or fails to respond visually to people or objects, these concerns should be discussed with a pediatrician or eye care professional. 2. Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3 As children become more active, their visual skills continue to develop. Toddlers rely on vision to walk, climb, manipulate small objects, and interact with toys. Over time, they typically improve in identifying familiar people and objects and in coordinating eye and hand movements. Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting close to screens, or difficulty seeing objects could indicate the need for an eye exam. 3. Preschool and School-Age Children By preschool and early elementary school, children utilize vision for detailed activities including coloring, drawing, letter recognition, reading, and participating in games. Effective eye coordination and focusing abilities support learning and classroom performance. Children may not always realize their vision differs from other children’s, so parents should watch for signs such as headaches, avoiding reading, losing their place while reading, holding books unusually close, or struggling to see the board. Signs of Possible Vision Problems Caregivers should monitor for changes in a child's vision or behavior. Potential warning signs include: Frequent squinting or eye rubbing Eyes that cross, wander, or do not move together Complaints of blurry or double vision Frequent headaches Difficulty reading or concentrating Sitting very close to a television or screen Tilting or turning the head to see Covering or closing one eye Difficulty recognizing objects or seeing at a distance Avoiding activities that require close or distance vision If you notice these signs, speak with a pediatrician or eye care professional. The Importance of Children’s Eye Exams Regular eye examinations can identify vision problems before they interfere with learning and development. Eye care professionals assess visual acuity, binocular coordination, and common childhood eye conditions. Early detection matters because some vision problems are easier to address when identified in childhood. Parents must follow their child’s healthcare provider's recommendations for vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams. Helping Protect Your Child’s Vision Caregivers can promote healthy vision by encouraging beneficial habits. These include spending time outdoors, taking regular screen breaks, using appropriate protective eyewear during activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending recommended pediatric and eye care appointments. Supporting Healthy Vision at Every Age Knowing children's vision milestones helps caregivers distinguish typical development and spot possible issues early. Throughout infancy and the school years, monitoring how a child sees, focuses, and interacts with their environment is vital for supporting healthy development.  If you notice concerns about a child's eyesight or alterations in vision, consult a healthcare provider or eye care professional. Early attention to vision supports learning, development, confidence, and overall quality of life.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age.