Winter Sports Eye Injuries: Emergency Eye Exam Guide for Ottawa Valley

Winter in the Ottawa Valley offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun, from hockey and skiing to snowboarding, snowmobiling, and tobogganing. While these activities provide plenty of excitement, they also come with a heightened risk of eye injuries. At Ottawa Valley Vision, we want you and your family to enjoy the winter season safely. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common winter sports eye injuries, what to do in case of an emergency, and how our expert team can help protect your vision with prompt, professional care.

Common Eye Injuries in Winter Sports

Winter sports are exhilarating, but the fast-paced, high-impact nature of many activities increases the risk of eye trauma. Some of the most frequent eye injuries we see at Ottawa Valley Vision include:

• Blunt trauma: A flying puck, elbow, or ball can cause sudden impact, leading to bruising, bleeding inside the eye, or even retinal detachment.
• Penetrating injuries: Ski poles, broken goggles, or sharp objects can penetrate the eye, causing severe damage that requires immediate medical attention.
• Corneal abrasions: Falls or collisions may result in scratched corneas from snow, ice, or debris, causing pain, redness, and blurred vision.
• Foreign bodies: Tiny ice particles, dirt, or wood chips can enter the eye during winter activities, potentially leading to infection or vision loss if not removed promptly.
• UV-related injuries: Snow and ice reflect UV rays, increasing the risk of photokeratitis (sunburned eyes), especially on sunny days or high altitudes.

Recognizing the Signs of an Eye Emergency

Not every eye injury requires an emergency exam, but some symptoms signal the need for urgent care. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following after a winter sports accident, contact Ottawa Valley Vision or seek immediate medical attention:

• Sudden vision loss or blurred vision
• Severe pain or throbbing in or around the eye
• Blood in the clear part of the eye (hyphema)
• Visible cuts, punctures, or foreign objects in the eye
• Ongoing tearing, sensitivity to light, or inability to open the eye
• Flashers, floaters, or a “curtain” over part of your vision
• Swelling, redness, or unusual discharge not resolving quickly

Immediate First Aid for Winter Sports Eye Injuries

While it’s essential to see an eye care professional as soon as possible, taking the right first steps can protect your eye and improve outcomes:

• Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the injured eye.
• Do not attempt to remove foreign objects yourself—cover the eye with a clean, loose bandage or shield.
• If there is a chemical exposure (like de-icer), rinse the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
• For blunt trauma, apply a cold compress gently—never press down.
• If you’ve suffered a cut or puncture, do not wash the eye or apply ointment.

The Importance of Emergency Eye Exams

Prompt treatment is crucial when dealing with eye injuries from winter sports. At Ottawa Valley Vision, our optometrists have advanced training and state-of-the-art equipment to assess and manage eye emergencies. Emergency eye exams include a thorough evaluation of the injury, vision testing, and tailored treatment to prevent long-term damage. Early intervention can be sight-saving, especially in cases of retinal detachment, hyphema, or severe corneal abrasions.

Protecting Your Eyes During Winter Activities

The best way to avoid winter sports eye emergencies is prevention. We recommend:

• Wearing sports-specific protective eyewear or goggles certified for impact resistance.
• Choosing lenses with UV protection for high-altitude or sunny conditions.
• Making sure children and teens are equipped with proper face shields or visors in hockey and ringette.
• Ensuring helmets fit correctly and offer full facial protection.
• Replacing scratched, damaged, or ill-fitting eyewear promptly.

Why Choose Ottawa Valley Vision for Your Eye Emergencies

As a trusted eye care provider in Pembroke and Petawawa, Ottawa Valley Vision is dedicated to the safety of our community. We prioritize emergency bookings and offer compassionate, personalized care for patients of all ages. Our clinic is equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of sports-related eye injuries, helping you get back to the activities you love—safely and with confidence.

Don’t Let Eye Injuries Ruin Your Winter Fun

If you or your child suffers an eye injury during winter sports, don’t wait. Immediate care can make all the difference. Call Ottawa Valley Vision for a same-day emergency eye exam or walk in during business hours. Protect your sight and enjoy every moment of winter in the Ottawa Valley with peace of mind—your vision, and your family’s well-being, are our top priorities.

Book your emergency eye exam today at Ottawa Valley Vision. Call us in Pembroke at 39 Pembroke Street West or in Petawawa at 14 Canadian Forces Drive—your local experts in eye care and eye emergencies.