My son was playing this morning and dropped a toy in his face. I was playing with him a few minutes ago and noticed he has a red spot in his eye. It does not seem to be bothering him but of course I am freaking out. I asked my husband what he thinks I should do and he has no imput. We spent all weekend in the ER for my husband and my son for flu symptoms and I really do not wanna spend another second there... but do you all think I should go anyway? I would hate myself if the next time we went to the doc they said he was blind or something!!!
Thank you guys so much! Eased my mind about it. It is in the white part of his eye and it is definitely not bothering him or inhibiting him in any way. We are going to the doctor tomorrow just to get it checked but there should be no need for worry!
Hi A.
If the red spot is only on the white part of the eye he will most likely be ok- but if any of the red is on the color part or the pupil I would most difenitely get him to an eye dr for a look see. If it is only on the white part and does not seem to be giving him any problems with him rubbing or scratching at his eye then the red will mostly likely go away shortly.
good luck and blessings
Do you have eye insurance? My kiddo poked me in the eye once and found that the optometrist (sp?) is the best person for that job. Also, you wont wait in line as long. If its just a matter of a quick look by the eye dr, they might just squeeze you in between patients. If you live in the League City area, Dr. Feingold at TSO in South Shore is really good....probably wouldnt charge you too much for a peek.
Margaret :)
A.,
The emergency room is for EMERGENCIES. Call your Pediatrician and let him know it's a possible eye injury and they will work him in same day.
They eye heals very quickly. If it is not bothering him, if he doesn't start bumping into things - uh, more than a 13 month old does - then just know that his body is amazingly able to heal. Unless he is squirting blood, crying, rubbing it excessively, I say leave him alone. Trust that he is strong.
The ER is full of swine flu, seasonal flu, and a ton of other terrible things. Don't expose him to that unless you have an actual emergency that would be worse than what he can pick up there.
He's probably just fine, but if you're going to lose sleep over it, call the pedi and ask them what you should do.
dont go to the er go to the regular doctor. he can flash a light in his eye and make sure its doing what its suppose to do! sorry your little one got hurt. hope all is fine.
Even though he has a red spot I wouldn't worry too much. If it was hurting him you would definately know.
In August I jabbed my eye with the corner of a magazine, tearing my cornea. It was the worst pain I've ever had in my life, feeling like hot shards of glass in my eye. Thankfully the eye does heal quickly though.
Anyway, my point is you would know if he had any damage or if he was bothered by it. I think you should just call your son's doctor and ask what he/she thinks and skip the ER. The ER can't do anything anyway, except to put a patch over the eye and tell you to see an optomologist or your pediatrician.
Better safe than sorry. I'd take him in.
My son had a version of this in middle school, and it was quite serious, a hyphema or blod clot in his eye. Please take him in NOW.
I have a book that specializes in avoiding your doctor. He says for an eye injury you nor your doctor should treat it, but an ophthalmologist. General doctors and parents can cause more problems. My kids have had eye injuries before, but near the eye. We've always waited 24 hours - or overnight, but watched them closely. They would clear up. But, if you aren't sure - then call or make an appt with an eye doctor, don't go to the ER unless it is really bad. You would want an ophthalmologist not an optomotrist (sp?).
Call the nurse at your son's pedi and discuss it with her. It will give you peace of mind. This does not sound like an emergency, so it is likely that you will not be told to take him to the ER. It NEVER hurts to have it checked out....you really don't want to take chances when it comes to your child.
If you cover the "good" eye, can he see a picture or an object ok with the injured eye?
Is he complaining about the eye, crying or rubbing it? Is it tear-ing or look the same or getting worse?
Get all these answers first and call the doctor's office or nurse's line with your insurance carrier.
He may have broken a capillary in the eye with the toy and it will probably take a few days to heal. If this is the case, there is not much you or the doc can do.
Kudos to all the moms who said "call doc or nurse" Margaret's suggestion of optometrist was wonderful!!!
Great thinking.
NOT good advice to all those who said go to ER!!!
Folks---the ER is NOT the place for a dropped toy injury unless the toy is still in there or caused major bleeding or a puncture!!! The ER's are full of flu and pnuemonia right now and you don't want to risk it.
I wouldn't ignore any sort of eye injury but I would definitely call your nurses line and talk it through before you schedule and appointment with the pediatrician. It is most likely just broken blood vessels but I would want to be sure of it.
you could probably call and get an appointment wih the doctor today.
I agree this is definitely not a situation for the ER. Instead call your pediatrician, if you can't get in there soon enough try a walk in clinic. Many Walgreen and Wal-Marts now have walk in clinics with nurse practitioners on hand, they will be able to assess and make sure no medications are needed to help in the healing.
Since it does not seem to be bothering him, it's probably nothing but I wouldn't take a chance with his eyes so I would definitely have it checked out!
I wouldn't go to the ER, I'd call the Pediatrician asking for a rush visit. Your child's doctor can determine if he needs to see an eye specalist. Honestly, I don't think you'd get the care or advise at the ER that you need.
Good luck to you and your family. :)
