Specialized injuries, such as electrical shocks or eye damage, can happen without notice due to domestic or workplace accidents. When such injuries occur, seeking immediate treatment could be the difference between a successful recovery and the rise of severe complications.

Specialized injuries may range from minor cuts and scratches to life-threatening wounds. Getting a professional medical evaluation is crucial to determine the best treatment approach. Always prioritize your health and seek urgent care in case of any specialized injury.

At Carolina Urgent Care, we offer emergency treatments without needing an appointment. Our walk-in facilities provide quality medical attention for all kinds of injuries, including electrical and eye damage.

We offer fast solutions and compassionate care for all our patients. For more information, don’t hesitate to call us or visit our urgent care clinic.

Electrical injuries are caused by direct contact with an electrical current, resulting in tissue damage, burns, or internal injuries. These may range from minor burns to severe nerve or organ damage. 

Contact with electrical wires and lightning strikes, mishandling of appliances, or using faulty equipment can result in the need for urgent care services.

Symptoms of Electrical Injuries

While some symptoms of electrical injuries are immediate, other symptoms may manifest after a delay and cause later complications:

• Immediate effects may include burns at the entry and exit points, muscle contractions, cardiac arrest, or respiratory failure. 
• Delayed effects could cause tissue damage, infections, nerve damage, and other minor injuries. 

When to Seek Medical Help

Prompt medical care will ensure proper evaluation, treatment, and prevention of severe nerve or tissue damage. If you notice any of the following, we recommend medical assistance immediately:

• Visible burns or tissue damage could mean that the burn is deeper than they appear on the surface
• Pain or numbness could indicate nerve damage
• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain after an electric shock could indicate damage to the heart
• Difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress could be a sign of muscle contractions due to the electric shock
• Unusual symptoms like confusion, dizziness, vision problems, or weakness

If you notice that the person is not breathing or has no pulse right after the injury, call 911 immediately without any delays. 

The eyes are susceptible to damage due to physical trauma, penetration of foreign objects, or chemicals. When this happens, seeking appropriate medical attention is essential because leaving these issues unattended may lead to irreversible vision damage. 

Some of the most common eye injuries include the following:

• Trauma due to physical injuries 
• Chemical burns
• Cuts and scratches due to dust, sand, or debris
• Penetration from foreign objects
• Retinal detachment
  

When to Seek Medical Help

An eye injury may not appear to be an emergency right away. However, some signs that could indicate the need for urgent medical attention include:

• Bleeding in or around the eye
• Bruising
• Blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Uneven pupil size
• Light sensitivity
• Stinging or burning feeling in the eye

Once you’ve arrived at our walk-in clinic, our doctors will ask about your injury, general symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle. These factors will help us determine the ideal treatment plan for your case. 

For Electrical Injuries

Electrical injuries can affect several layers of skin, tissue, and nerves. To identify the extent of damage, your doctor will comprehensively evaluate the injury and surrounding areas. Once this is performed, one of the following procedures may be needed:

• Wound cleaning is done to remove any dirt or debris that may have entered the injury. In addition to preventing complications, this will also help to monitor wounds closely for any signs of infection.
• Pain management may be carried out by administering topical creams or ointments to soothe the pain at the burn site.
• Dead tissue removal is useful in the case of severe burns to prevent infection and promote healthy tissue growth.

For Eye Injuries

After examining the extent of your injury and corresponding damage, the doctor will help determine the best procedure for you. These may range from the following:

• Eye irrigation to remove foreign objects or debris causing pain
• Eye surgery to restore any damage caused by physical trauma or a chemical burn
• Antibiotics to deal with conjunctivitis or any other eye disease

Electrical and eye injuries are often accidental and may be preventable with enough precautions.

Preventive Measures for Electrical Injuries

Although electrical injuries may be unpredictable, there are some measures you can take to prevent them:

• Regularly inspect your surroundings, like bedroom, workspace, and kitchen, to identify potential electrical hazards.
• Wear appropriate equipment and clothing if you regularly work around electrical equipment or tools.
• Ensure your hands, clothes, and surfaces are completely dry before using any electrical tools or plugs.
• Use kitchen equipment responsibly and with attention. 
• Avoid using electrical equipment if there is visible damage.

Preventive Measures for Eye Injuries

To prevent eye injuries from happening, we recommend the following:

• Wear protective eyewear during any activity that may potentially cause an eye injury, like manual work, cooking, or sports.
• When handling dangerous chemicals, it is crucial to use safety precautions and read the instructions carefully. 

Our team at Carolina Urgent Care offers urgent treatment for electrical and eye injuries. We have the knowledge and experience to handle your health with maximum care.

We focus on offering a comprehensive approach to medical care, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services, providing you with continuity of care.

Our walk-in clinics allow us to attend to any medical emergency you may have without the need for an appointment.

If you have suffered an electrical or eye injury, our walk-in clinic at Carolina Urgent Care is ready to welcome you. Let us help you recover your health.

Don’t hesitate to contact us. You can visit our clinics in Chapel Hill, Durham, or schedule an appointment online.