Emergency Ophthalmologist in Zurich

Common Eye Emergencies

Below is an overview of the most frequent eye emergencies and initial tips on how to respond.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Symptoms

• Redness of the eye
• Itching or burning
• Excessive tearing
• Sticky eyelids, especially in the morning

Causes

Conjunctivitis is often caused by bacterial or viral infections. Allergies (e.g., to pollen or pet dander) and mechanical irritations like dust or smoke can also be triggers.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause: bacterial infections require antibiotic eye drops, while viral conjunctivitis is usually managed with supportive measures like artificial tears. Allergic reactions can be alleviated with anti-allergy drops and by avoiding the allergen.

Important

Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. Strict hygiene is crucial to prevent its spread. If you have a potentially contagious conjunctivitis and visit our practice, we may ask you to wait outside the general waiting area.

Corneal Infection (Keratitis)

Symptoms

• Severe eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Foreign body sensation
• Blurred vision
• Redness of the eye

Causes

Corneal infections often result from bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens. They commonly occur after injuries, improper contact lens use, or in cases of weakened immune systems.

Treatment

Depending on the pathogen, the condition is treated with antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops. Severe cases may require systemic treatment. Early intervention is key to preventing permanent corneal damage.

Important

Keratitis can lead to corneal scarring and permanent vision loss. If you wear contact lenses, be especially alert for redness and pain. Stop wearing your lenses and have your eyes examined as soon as possible.

Inflammation of the Iris (Uveitis)

Symptoms

• Light sensitivity
• Eye pain
• Blurry vision
• Redness of the eye
• Black spots in your vision (“floaters”)

Increased light sensitivity (photophobia) is the most important and characteristic symptom.

Causes

Uveitis is often associated with autoimmune diseases but can also be triggered by infections or injuries. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory eye drops such as corticosteroids and pupil-dilating drops for pain relief. More severe cases may require systemic therapy to prevent complications like glaucoma or retinal detachment.

Important

Untreated uveitis can lead to serious complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal detachment. If you have a rheumatologic condition, your risk for uveitis is higher.

Children and adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) have a significantly increased risk for uveitis, which can present with very mild or no symptoms. That’s why patients with JIA undergo regular precautionary eye exams.

Eye Injuries and Accidents

Symptoms

• Pain or pressure in the eye
• Redness
• Tearing or swelling
• Blurred vision

These can occur after a direct hit to the open or closed eye.

Causes

Eye injuries result from mechanical forces, often blunt trauma (e.g., being struck by a ball during sports). Penetrating trauma can damage the external layers of the eye, leading to a significant drop in intraocular pressure. Chemical burns also frequently cause injuries.

Treatment

Immediate ophthalmological examination is necessary. Depending on the type of injury, treatment may involve rinsing the eye, removing foreign bodies, administering medications, or performing surgery.

Important

Do not rub or apply pressure to an injured eye.

Chemical Eye Burns

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Redness and swelling
• Tearing
• Blurred vision

Causes

Chemical burns to the eye occur through contact with substances like acids or alkalis. These can happen on the job, at home, or through accidents with cleaning agents. Such chemicals can damage the delicate structure of the cornea and conjunctiva, potentially threatening vision in severe cases.

Treatment

The most important immediate measure is thorough irrigation of the eye with water or saline for at least 10–15 minutes. Afterwards, see an eye doctor or visit an emergency department as quickly as possible to assess the damage and initiate the appropriate therapy.

Important

Act fast to prevent permanent damage. Always wear suitable eye protection when working with chemicals.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment and Retinal Detachment

Symptoms

• Flashes of light, especially in the dark or when moving your eyes
• Sudden onset of “soot showers” (black dots or specks in your visual field)
• A shadow or “curtain” in your field of vision (retinal detachment)

Causes

Posterior vitreous detachment is a natural process that can happen at varying ages. It’s more common after injuries, in individuals with higher nearsightedness, or following cataract surgery.

Treatment

Posterior vitreous detachment itself does not require treatment and is a normal process. Most people eventually get used to the floaters, which become less bothersome over time. However, whenever a vitreous detachment is diagnosed, the retina must be examined for possible tears, as these can lead to retinal detachment if left untreated.

A retinal detachment is an ophthalmic emergency and usually requires surgery to reattach the retina and preserve vision.

Important

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult an eye doctor immediately to avoid permanent vision loss.

Postoperative Eye Infection (Endophthalmitis)

Symptoms

• Cloudy or diminished vision
• Redness and swelling
• Pain or pressure in the eye
• Pus or mucus discharge

Causes

Postoperative infections are typically bacterial and can occur during or after eye surgery. Symptoms usually develop within the first few days after an operation.

Treatment

Prompt assessment by an eye doctor is crucial. Treatment includes antibiotics, often administered directly into the eye.

Important

Postoperative infections can jeopardize the surgical outcome. Always attend follow-up appointments and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Sudden Double Vision

Symptoms

• Double vision
• Binocular double vision that appears as soon as both eyes are open but disappears (single vision) when one eye is closed

Causes

Binocular double vision can develop gradually in chronic or decompensated squint (strabismus), often initially occurring when the person is tired or under the influence of alcohol.

If binocular double vision appears suddenly, it requires urgent evaluation. Possible causes include circulatory disorders in the nerves controlling the eye muscles or nerve damage related to diabetes mellitus. If other symptoms accompany acute double vision, immediate neurological assessment—often via the hospital emergency department—is necessary.

Foreign Body in the Eye (Often: Corneal Metal Foreign Body)

Symptoms

• Severe foreign body sensation
• Pain that worsens when blinking
• Light sensitivity and increased tearing
• Noticeable eye redness
• Potential vision impairment if the injury is deeper

Causes

Corneal metal foreign bodies commonly occur due to inadequate eye protection during manual or industrial tasks (e.g., grinding, welding, or drilling). Metal particles can hit the eye at high speed, injuring the cornea.

Diagnosis

An ophthalmic exam with a slit lamp (microscope) easily reveals the foreign body. It may be visible to the naked eye. Fluorescent eye drops can highlight smaller corneal lesions (e.g., abrasions).

Treatment

Under local anesthesia, the foreign body is removed with precise instruments. If a metal foreign body remains in the eye too long, it can oxidize and leave a “rust ring” that also must be removed to prevent infection.

Important

Timely treatment is crucial. Untreated metal fragments can cause keratitis, scarring, or—in rare cases—a penetrating injury requiring surgery.

Prevention

Always wear proper eye protection, especially when working with metal or drilling stone or masonry. Many injuries occur within seconds, even during short tasks.