Eye Emergencies in Oman: What to Do and Where to Go
First aid for the eye, how to tell when it is urgent, and where to get help.
If a chemical has splashed into your eye, rinse it with clean running water straight away for at least 15 minutes, then get medical help. Sudden loss of vision, a shadow or curtain across your sight, a sudden shower of new floaters or flashes of light, a painful red eye with blurred vision, and any injury that cuts or punctures the eye need assessment the same day. During opening hours, call your nearest Finland Eye Center clinic. Outside opening hours, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call 9999 for an ambulance.
What should I do if a chemical gets in my eye?
Act straight away; the first minutes matter most. Cleaning products, cement, lime and other alkalis can be especially harmful.
- Rinse the eye with clean, lukewarm running water (or saline) for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eyelids open and let the water run from the inner corner outward.
- Remove contact lenses if they do not come out with rinsing, then keep rinsing.
- Do not rub the eye, and do not put in any drops other than water or saline.
- After rinsing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Take the product container or its name with you if you can.
Eye symptoms: how urgent is it?
General guidance only. If you are unsure, treat it as urgent and get checked.
| Symptom | What it can mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, painless or painful | A blocked blood vessel in the eye, retinal detachment, bleeding in the eye, or a stroke | Emergency: go to the nearest hospital emergency department now, or call 9999 |
| A shadow or curtain spreading across your vision | Retinal detachment | Same day: call your nearest clinic during opening hours; otherwise a hospital emergency department |
| A sudden shower of new floaters or flashes of light | A retinal tear, which can lead to detachment | Same day: call your nearest clinic during opening hours; otherwise a hospital emergency department |
| A painful red eye with blurred vision, halos around lights, headache or nausea | Acute angle-closure glaucoma (a sudden rise in eye pressure) | Emergency: go to the nearest hospital emergency department now |
| Chemical splash | Chemical injury to the surface of the eye | Rinse for at least 15 minutes first, then go to a hospital emergency department |
| A blow to the eye, a cut, or something stuck in the eye | Eye injury, which may be more serious than it looks | Do not rub or press the eye or try to remove anything stuck in it; cover it with a rigid shield (such as the bottom of a paper cup) and go to a hospital emergency department |
| Something in the eye that feels like grit, with no injury | Dust or a small particle on the surface | Blink and rinse with clean water. If pain, redness or blurred vision continue, be seen the same day |
| A red, painful eye in a contact lens wearer | Possible infection of the cornea | Remove the lenses, do not wear them again, and be seen the same day |
| A droopy eyelid or double vision that starts suddenly | Sometimes a nerve or brain problem | Emergency: go to the nearest hospital emergency department now |
| A red eye with normal vision and little or no pain, with discharge or itching | Often conjunctivitis or allergy | Book an appointment if it is not improving after a few days, or sooner if pain or blurred vision develop |
Red eye: when is it urgent?
Most red eyes are caused by conjunctivitis, allergy, dry eye or a small burst blood vessel on the white of the eye, and are not emergencies. A red eye is urgent when it comes with pain, blurred or reduced vision, sensitivity to light, a recent injury or chemical, or when you wear contact lenses. These can be signs of infection or inflammation inside the eye, or a sudden rise in eye pressure.
What should I avoid doing?
- Do not rub or press on an injured eye.
- Do not try to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.
- Do not use someone else’s eye drops, or old drops, in an injured or red eye.
- Do not put contact lenses back in a red or painful eye.
- Do not wait to see if sudden loss of vision, a curtain across your sight or new flashes and floaters get better by themselves.
When should I go straight to a hospital emergency department?
- Any eye emergency outside our clinics’ opening hours.
- Sudden loss of vision, or a sudden droopy eyelid or double vision.
- A chemical splash, after rinsing for at least 15 minutes.
- A cut or puncture to the eye, something stuck in the eye, or a serious blow to the face or eye.
- A painful red eye with blurred vision, headache, nausea or vomiting.
Contact a clinic during opening hours
For same-day problems during opening hours, call the clinic nearest to you. Tell the receptionist your symptoms so you can be advised how quickly you need to be seen.
Opening hours: Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Sun – Wed: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Thu: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Fri: Closed
Opening hours: Sat – Wed: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Thu & Fri: Closed
Opening hours: Sat – Wed: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Thu & Fri: Closed
Opening hours: Sat – Wed: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Thu & Fri: Closed
Eye emergencies: frequently asked questions
What should I do first if a chemical splashes in my eye?
Rinse the eye straight away with clean, lukewarm running water or saline for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open. Do not rub the eye. Then go to the nearest hospital emergency department and take the product container or its name with you if you can.
Are flashes and floaters an emergency?
A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision can mean a retinal tear or detachment, and needs assessment the same day. Call your nearest clinic during opening hours; outside opening hours go to a hospital emergency department. A few long-standing floaters that have not changed are common and usually harmless.
When is a red eye serious?
A red eye is urgent when it comes with pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, a recent injury or chemical, or when you wear contact lenses. A red eye with normal vision and little discomfort is often conjunctivitis or allergy; book an appointment if it is not improving after a few days.
What should I do after a blow to the eye?
Do not rub or press on the eye. A cold compress on the cheek and brow can ease swelling after a minor knock. Go to a hospital emergency department if vision is reduced, the eye is cut, something is stuck in it, there is blood in the front of the eye, or the pain is severe.
Does Finland Eye Center provide emergency care outside opening hours?
No. Finland Eye Center clinics are not an emergency service. During opening hours, call your nearest clinic for same-day problems. Outside opening hours, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call 9999 for an ambulance.
Sources
- National Eye Institute (NEI): Retinal detachment
- National Eye Institute (NEI): Glaucoma
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: patient information on eye injuries and first aid
This page is general first-aid information and does not replace medical assessment. If you think your sight is at risk, get help straight away.