Should You Go to the Doctor if You Get Hit in the Eye?

It’s easy to brush off getting hit in the eye - especially if the pain subsides quickly or you don’t notice immediate changes in your vision. However, eye injuries can be more serious than they appear. Even a seemingly minor hit can cause lasting damage if left untreated. Knowing when to see an optometrist is key to protecting your vision and preventing complications.
 

What Happens When You Get Hit in the Eye

A blow to the eye can cause more than surface-level bruising. Depending on the force and location of the impact, it can result in:

• Corneal abrasions (scratches on the surface of your eye)

• Internal bleeding (subconjunctival hemorrhage or hyphema)

• Retinal detachment

• Vision changes due to swelling or optic nerve damage

Sometimes, these injuries don’t cause pain right away, which can lead people to delay care - putting their vision at risk.
 

When to See Your Doctor

You should schedule an eye exam right away if you experience:

• Blurred or double vision

• Pain or pressure around the eye

• Redness that doesn’t go away

• Flashes of light or new floaters

• Difficulty moving your eye

• Visible changes such as swelling, bruising, or bleeding

Even if symptoms seem mild, your optometrist can perform a thorough evaluation to ensure no hidden damage occurred. Eye injuries can worsen quickly, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing permanent vision loss.
 

The Risk of Skipping Your Eye Exam

Ignoring an eye injury can lead to serious complications. Retinal damage or bleeding inside the eye may not cause pain, but can result in irreversible vision loss if untreated. By seeing your optometrist after any trauma, you give yourself the best chance at preserving your long-term eye health.

Get Expert Care for Eye Injuries at Cobb Corner Eye Care

If you’ve been hit in the eye, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Eye injuries can be deceptive, and only a professional exam can confirm whether your vision is safe. Protecting your eyes today can prevent lifelong consequences tomorrow.

If you’ve suffered an eye injury or have any concerns about your vision, contact Cobb Corner Eye Care for urgent eye care. Visit our office in Stoughton, Massachusetts, or call (781) 344-3335 for further guidance.