Eye Injury Concern
Hello, I’m a 25-year-old female. Three days ago, while I was smoking, I think I either got smoke or an ember in my eye, which caused severe discomfort initially. Since then, the pain has lessened but has not completely disappeared, and I’ve noticed a tiny bit of crusting on my eye when I woke up today. I have an eye appointment scheduled for Tuesday, and there's a possibility I could be seen as early as Monday. Given the situation, should I consider seeking medical attention sooner, or is it manageable enough to wait until my scheduled appointment?
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 8:50:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you have an eye appointment scheduled, but given the discomfort and symptoms you've described, let's break down what you might want to consider.
Main Points:
You experienced an eye injury that caused discomfort, and now you're noticing some crusting. While it's understandable to want to wait for your appointment, there are key symptoms to monitor for that could mean you should seek help sooner.
Explanation:
When an object, smoke, or ember gets into the eye, it can cause irritation or even a chemical burn, depending on the substance. The fact that the pain has lessened is a positive sign, but crusting can indicate a possible infection or the eye's response to the injury. It's important to monitor this to ensure your eye heals properly.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes. Pay close attention to worsening pain, increased redness, swelling, or any changes in your vision.
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Avoid Rubbing: Do not rub your eye, as this can worsen the irritation or cause further damage.
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Use Artificial Tears: If you have them, consider using preservative-free artificial tears to soothe your eye and flush out any irritation. Avoid anything that could further irritate your eye, such as lotions or makeup around the eye area.
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Seek Urgent Care if Necessary: If you start to experience:
- Severe pain that doesn't improve,
- Blurred vision,
- Increased sensitivity to light,
- Pus or fluid drainage,
- Significant swelling,
then seek medical attention sooner than your scheduled appointment.
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Prepare for Your Appointment: Bring notes about your symptoms, when they started, and any relief measures you’ve tried. This will help the doctor assess your condition better.
It's good to be cautious with eye injuries. If you're uncertain about how your symptoms are changing, it may be worth contacting your eye care provider for advice before your scheduled appointment. Take care!
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