Eye injuries happen when you least expect them — a snapped rubber band, a toddler’s fingernail, or a speck of sawdust from a weekend project. For families in Hot Springs, where home projects, school crafts, and outdoor play are part of daily life, minor eye accidents are more common than you might think. But when is it a wait-and-see situation… and when should you head straight to your optometrist?
At Medical Arts Optical, we know how quickly these things happen — and how serious they can become if ignored. Whether it’s a sudden sting, visible redness, or blurry vision, acting quickly (and correctly) can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage.
Types of Eye Injuries That Can Happen at Home
Not all eye injuries are emergencies — but all of them deserve attention. The most common household eye injuries we see in Hot Springs include:
- Foreign objects like dust, dirt, or glitter trapped under the eyelid
- Chemical splashes from cleaning products or cooking oil
- Blunt force trauma from toys, tools, or sports equipment
- Scratches from fingernails, branches, or pet paws
- Burns from hot steam or grease
If any of these occur and symptoms don’t resolve quickly — or if vision changes, pain increases, or the eye swells — that’s your cue to call a professional.
Here’s what to avoid doing:
- Don’t rub the eye, even if it itches or burns.
- Don’t use redness-relief drops unless specifically instructed.
- Don’t attempt to remove embedded objects yourself.
- Don’t wait it out if your child can’t open their eye, is squinting, or says it “hurts to look.”
First Steps to Take After an Eye Injury
If you or a loved one experiences an eye injury at home, here’s what you can do right away — safely and calmly:
- Rinse the eye gently with clean water or sterile saline solution if there’s dust or debris.
- Use a cool compress for swelling or bruising — never apply pressure directly to the eyeball.
- Keep both eyes closed if you suspect a scratch or trauma; this limits eye movement and helps prevent further damage.
- Remove contact lenses only if the injury is minor and there’s no chemical exposure or severe discomfort.
- Seek immediate care if vision is blurry, there’s bleeding or discharge, or you see light flashes or floaters.
Even if the injury seems minor at first, it’s better to play it safe. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, but they can lead to infection or permanent damage if left untreated.
Emergency Eye Care in Hot Springs You Can Count On
At Medical Arts Optical, we’ve been helping Hot Springs families handle eye emergencies for over 40 years. Our eye care team understands how nerve-wracking it is when an accident affects your vision — and we’re here to help you figure out what’s urgent, what can wait, and what your eyes need to heal.
If you need help fast, we’ll talk you through what to do over the phone and fit you in for an emergency visit if necessary. If it’s something minor, we’ll still want to take a look to make sure your eye is healing properly and that you’re using the right treatment — not a guess from the internet.
Eye Safety Starts at Home — and Continues With Us
Everyday objects can cause unexpected harm — so whether it’s a child with a sharp crayon, a hot oil splatter in the kitchen, or a DIY project gone sideways, know that you’re not alone. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help.
Call us immediately on 501-525-3606 if you or someone in your family has an eye injury. Our friendly team will make sure you get the care and reassurance you need — right here in Hot Springs.